An efficient and expedient method for the synthesis of 11C-labeled α-aminoisobutyric acid: A tumor imaging agent potentially useful for cancer diagnosis

We describe the synthesis of 11C-labeled α-aminoisobutyric acid 2 from iodo[11C]methane and methyl N-(diphenylmethylen)-d,l-alaniate (5). The tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF)-promoted α-[11C]methylation of sterically hindered analog 5 was a key step in our synthesis process. Total radiochemical conversion of 2 was high and a remote-controlled synthesis was carried out. A comparative tumor positron emission tomography (PET) imaging study using the same model mouse showed higher uptake of 2 than with 11C-labeled methionine and [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).

Graphical abstractWe describe the synthesis of 11C-labeled α-aminoisobutyric acid 2 from iodo[11C]methane and methyl N-(diphenylmethylen)-d,l-alaniate (5). The tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF)-promoted α-[11C]methylation of sterically hindered analog 5 was a key step in our synthesis process. Total radiochemical conversion of 2 was high and a remote-controlled synthesis was carried out. A comparative tumor positron emission tomography (PET) imaging study using the same model mouse showed higher uptake of 2 than with 11C-labeled methionine and [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide