An Organometallic Gold(III) Reagent for 18F Labeling of Unprotected Peptides and Sugars in Aqueous Media

The 18F labeling of unprotected peptides and sugars with a Au­(III)–[18F]­fluoroaryl complex is reported. The chemoselective method generates 18F-labeled S-aryl bioconjugates in an aqueous environment in 15 min with high radiochemical yields and displays excellent functional group tolerance. This approach utilizes an air and moisture stable, robust organometallic Au­(III) complex and highlights the versatility of designer organometallic reagents as efficient agents for rapid radiolabeling.