Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
![[DPEPhosbcpCu]PF6: A General and Broadly Applicable Copper-Based Photoredox Catalyst](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F59739.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
[DPEPhosbcpCu]PF6: A General and Broadly Applicable Copper-Based Photoredox Catalyst
Published on: May 21, 2019
Direct arene C-H fluorination with 18F- via organic photoredox catalysis
Wei Chen1, Zeng Huang1, Nicholas E S Tay2
1Biomedical Research Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
Abstract:
Positron emission tomography (PET) plays key roles in drug discovery and development, as well as medical imaging. However, there is a dearth of efficient and simple radiolabeling methods for aromatic C-H bonds, which limits advancements in PET radiotracer development. Here, we disclose a mild method for the fluorine-18 (18F)-fluorination of aromatic C-H bonds by an [18F]F- salt via organic photoredox catalysis under blue light illumination. This strategy was applied to the synthesis of a wide range of 18F-labeled arenes and heteroaromatics, including pharmaceutical compounds. These products can serve as diagnostic agents or provide key information about the in vivo fate of the labeled substrates, as showcased in preliminary tracer studies in mice.
Related Concept Videos
Catalysis
Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis
Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Fluorination and Iodination of Benzene
Levels of Organization
Molecules Are Composed of Atoms, and Biomolecules Are Assembled from Molecules:
The most basic levels include atoms, molecules, and biomolecules. Atoms, the smallest unit of ordinary matter, are composed of a nucleus and electrons. Molecules...
Directing Effect of Substituents: meta-Directing Groups
Accessory Organs

