Microwave-assisted (radio)halogenation of nitroimidazole-based hypoxia markers

Microwave-assisted radiohalogenation for the production of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals has now been applied to the synthesis and radiolabelling of azomycin nucleosides. (Radio)halogens were incorporated either by nucleophilic substitution of a leaving group or by halogen-halogen exchange, in the synthesis of IAZA, IAZP and FAZA. A comparison of conventional labelling and microwave-assisted labelling procedures reflects a clear advantage of the microwave technique.