Radiofluorination

Radiofluorination is the process by which a radioactive isotope of fluorine is attached to a molecule and is preferably performed by nucleophilic substitution using nitro or halogens as leaving groups.

[1] Due to the ongoing research involving radiofluorinated molecules and their various uses, the demand for suitable syntheses has increased over the years.

In order for synthetic methods to be considered viable, the process must be rapid and efficient as well as compatible with the forms of 18F with are available.

[4] Electrophilic substitution reactions typically make use of [18F] F2 as a precursor which can then be added to an array of molecules such as alkenes, aromatic rings, and carbanions [21].

The gamma rays are then emitted nearly 180 degrees from each other and their detection allows the ability to pinpoint the source, thus creating an image.

This isotope is particularly advantageous due to its short half-life of approximately 109.8 min, its decay being 97% positron emission, its ease of production, and its  energy being low (0.64 MeV).

The recalcitrant chemical nature of the lignin molecule currently requires an extensive and expensive process to degrade for bioethanol.

The radioactive fluorine will be attached to lignin-degradation products in order to search for enzymes in nature that breakdown lignin.

[1] Due to the relatively short half-life, the isotope must be quickly incorporated into a tracer molecule designed for the desired target.

[9][11] This class of radiotracers is of particular interest due to their role in imaging the regulation of cellular growth and function.