Efficient system for the preparation of [13N]labeled nitrosamines.

ABSTRACT

In the present Letter, a fast and reproducible method for the synthesis of N-[(13)N]nitrosamines is reported. The labeling strategy is based on trapping [(13)N]NO2- in an anion exchange resin. The reaction with secondary amines in the presence of Ph(3)P and Br(2) led to the formation of the desired nitrosamines in short reaction times (2 min) with excellent radiochemical conversion (>45%). Final radiotracers were obtained after purification in good radiochemical yields (>30%, decay corrected). Radiochemical purity was above 99% in all cases.