THE USE OF [F-18] 4-FLUOROBENZYL IODIDE (FBI) IN PET RADIOTRACER SYNTHESIS - MODEL ALKYLATION STUDIES AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE DESIGN OF DOPAMINE-D(1) AND DOPAMINE-D(2) RECEPTOR-BASED IMAGING AGENTS

[F-18]4-Fluorobenzyl iodide ([F-18]FBI) was prepared, and a series of model alkylation studies were conducted to determine its chemical reactivity toward nitrogen and sulfur nucleophiles of varying nucleophilicities. [F-18]FBI was found to react rapidly with secondary amines and anilines to give the corresponding N-[F-18]4-fluorobenzyl analogue in high yield. Amides and thiol groups required the use of a base catalyst. The utility of [F-18]FBI was documented by investigation of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-based radiotracers.