Synthesis, acidity and F-19 NMR characteristics of imidazoles bearing 1-fluorinated substituents with potential application as probes for intracellular pH determination.

A series of 1-substituted imidazoles containing fluorine have been prepared. These compounds were identified as potentially useful probes for intracellular pH determination based on F-19 NMR. Key parameters including pK(a), F-19 NMR chemical shift sensitivity, water solubility and low toxicity were identified and included in the target molecule selection process. The pK(a) and F-19 NMR parameters of the molecules are reported and vends analysed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.