Contribution to a book

FZJ-2026-03300

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry of Fluorine-18: Nucleophilic Fluorinations

Lewis, J. S. (Editor) ; Windhorst, A. D. (Editor) ; Zeglis, B. M. (Editor) ; Ermert, J.FZJ* ; Neumaier, B. (Corresponding author)FZJ*

2026
Springer Nature Switzerland Cham

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/978-3-032-26476-3_17

Abstract: Fluorine-18 plays a pivotal role in radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET) due to its favorable nuclear decay properties. Depending on the production method, fluorine-18 can be obtained in two distinct chemical forms: electrophilic [18F]fluorine gas and nucleophilic [18F]fluoride. Of these, nucleophilic [18F]fluoride offers significant advantages in terms of accessibility and ease of handling, making nucleophilic 18F-substitution reactions essential tools for the synthesis of radiofluorinated PET tracers. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of nucleophilic [18F]fluoride and its applications in radiopharmaceutical chemistry. It explores the critical factors influencing nucleophilic 18F-substitution reactions, including solvent systems, leaving group properties, and the selection of suitable reactants. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the versatility and clinical relevance of these reactions. In addition, the chapter offers practical guidance and best practices to help researchers optimize nucleophilic 18F-substitution reactions in the laboratory, ensuring the reproducible and efficient production of high-quality radiopharmaceuticals.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Nuklearchemie (INM-5)

Research Program(s):

1. 5253 - Neuroimaging (POF4-525) (POF4-525)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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