Synthesis of 11C-labeled retinoic acid, [11C]ATRA, via an alkenylboron precursor by Pd(0)-mediated rapid C-[11C]methylation

Retinoids are a class of chemical compounds which include both natural dietary vitamin A (retinol) metabolites and active synthetic analogs. Both experimental and clinical studies have revealed that retinoids regulate a wide variety of essential biological processes. In this study, we synthesized 11C-labeled all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), the most potent biologically active metabolite of retinol and used in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia. The synthesis of 11C-labeled ATRA was accomplished by a combination of rapid Pd(0)-mediated C-[11C]methylation of the corresponding pinacol borate precursor prepared by 8 steps and hydrolysis. [11C]ATRA will prove useful as a PET imaging agent, particularly for elucidating the improved therapeutic activity of ATRA (natural retinoid) for acute promyelocytic leukemia by comparing with the corresponding PET probe [11C]Tamibarotene (artificial retinoid).