DMSO increases radioiodination yield of radiopharmaceuticals

A high-yield radioiodination method for various types of molecules is described. The approach employs DMSO as precursor solvent, a reaction ratio of 2–5 precursor molecules per iodine atom, 5–10 μg oxidant, and a 10–25 μl reaction volume. The solution is vortexed at room temperature for 1–5 min and progress of the reaction is assessed by HPLC. Radioiodinated products are obtained in ≥95% yield and meet the requirements for radiotracer imaging, biodistribution studies, and molecular and cellular biology research.