Chemistry with [18F]Fluoride Ion

The success of molecular imaging with positron‐emission tomography (PET) depends on the availability of selective molecular probes labeled with positron‐emitters, such asfluorine‐18 (t1/2 = 109.7 min). No‐carrier‐added (NCA) [18F]fluoride ion (18F–) is the primary reagent for the preparation of 18F‐labeled tracers in high specific activity. In this microreview, we survey current and advancing radiochemical methods and technologies for the use of NCA [18F]fluoride ion in the preparation of 18F‐labeled radiotracers for applications with PET. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) The chemistry of cyclotron‐produced [18F]fluoride ion for producing [18F]fluoroalkyl or [18F]fluoroaryl compounds as radiotracers for molecular imaging with positron‐emission tomography is reviewed.