The use of pentafluorophenyl derivatives for the 18F labelling of proteins

A simple, one-step method for the radiolabelling of proteins with 18F is described. A series of pentafluorophenyl derivatives were synthesized and tested for 18F exchange using tetrabutylammonium-[18F]fluoride in DMSO, with microwave heating. A number of the compounds examined incorporated 18F quickly and in high yield. Two compounds, pentafluorobenzaldehyde and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenylpentafluorobenzoate, were used to label HSA in good yield. The methods produce low specific activity labelled proteins, but are fast. The yields are reasonable and the reagents do not require a separate modification or activation step for protein labelling.