Semi-automated preparation of the dopamine transporter ligand [18F]FECNT for human PET imaging studies

The fluorine-18 labeled dopamine transport (DAT) ligand 2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-chlorophenyl)-8-(2-fluoroethyl)nortropane (FECNT) has shown promising properties as an in vivo DAT imaging agent in human and monkey PET studies. A semi-automated synthesis has been developed to reliably produce [18F]FECNT in a 16% decay corrected yield. This method utilizes a new [18F]fluoralkylating agent and provides high purity [18F]FECNT in a formulation suitable for human use.