Synthesis and biodistribution of R- and S-isomers of [ 18F]-fluoropropranolol, a lipophilic ligand for the β-adrenergic receptor

The S and R isomers of [ 18F]-fluoropropranolol (1-[1-fluoro-2- isopropylamino]-3-naphthalen-1-yloxy-propan-2-ol) have been prepared by reductive alkylation of the appropriate aminoalcohols. The radiosynthesis provides a reasonable yield (∼25%) to give products of 99% enantiomeric excess and specific activities of 1–3 Ci/μmol. The dissociation constants for the β 2 adrenergic receptor are 0.5 and 2.5 nM for the S and the R isomers, respectively. The biodistribution data in rats show that uptake and egress of the tracer is rapid but that the result of blocking studies and the difference between the R and the S isomers suggest receptor-mediated uptake in receptor-rich tissue.