Compounds labelled with short-lived beta(+)-emitting radionuclides and some applications in life sciences. The importance of time as a parameter

Fully-automated radiosynthesis of the amyloid tracer [11C] PiB via direct [11C]CO2 fixation-reduction

BACKGROUND

The β-amyloid radiotracer [11C] PiB is extensively used for the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. For clinical use, [11C] PiB is produced using the 11C-methylation method ([11C] Methyl iodide or [11C] methyl triflate as 11C-methylation agents), which represents the most employed 11C-labelling strategy for the synthesis of 11C-radiopharmaceuticals. Recently, the use of direct [11C]CO2 fixation for the syntheses of 11C-tracers has gained interest in the radiochemical community due to its importance in terms of radiochemical versatility and for permitting the direct employment of the cyclotron-produced precursor [11C]CO2. This paper presents an optimised alternative one-pot methodology of [11C]CO2 fixation-reduction for the rapid synthesis of [11C] PiB using an automated commercial platform and its quality control.

RESULTS

[11C] PiB was obtained from a (25.9 ± 13.2)% (Average ± Variation Coefficient, n = 3) (end of synthesis, decay corrected) radiochemical yield from trapped [11C]CO2 after 1 min of labelling time using PhSiH3 / TBAF as the fixation-reduction system in Diglyme at 150 °C. The radiochemical purity was higher than 95% in all cases, and the molar activity was (61.4 ± 1.6) GBq/μmol. The radiochemical yield and activity (EOS) of formulated [11C] PiB from cyclotron-produced [11C]CO2 was (14.8 ± 12.1)%, decay corrected) and 9.88 GBq (± 6.0%), respectively. These are higher values compared to that of the 11C-methylation method with [11C]CH3OTf (~ 8.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The viability of the system PhSiH3 / TBAF to efficiently promote the radiosynthesis of [11C] PiB via direct [11C]CO2 fixation-reduction has been demonstrated. [11C] PiB was obtained through a fully automated radiosynthesis with a satisfactory yield, purity and molar activity. According to the results, the one-pot methodology employed could reliably yield sufficiently high tracer amounts for preclinical and clinical use.

Carbon-11 and fluorine-18 chemistry devoted to molecular probes for imaging the brain with positron emission tomography

Exploration of the living human brain in real-time and in a noninvasive way was for centuries only a dream, made, however, possible today with the remarkable development during the four last decades of powerful molecular imaging techniques, and especially positron emission tomography (PET). Molecular PET imaging relies, from a chemical point of view, on the use and preparation of a positron-emitting radiolabelled probe or radiotracer, notably compounds incorporating one of two short-lived radionuclides fluorine-18 (T1/2 : 109.8 min) and carbon-11 (T1/2 : 20.38 min). The growing availability and interest for the radiohalogen fluorine-18 in radiopharmaceutical chemistry undoubtedly results from its convenient half-life and the successful use in clinical oncology of 2-[(18) F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose ([(18) F]FDG). The special interest of carbon-11 is not only that carbon is present in virtually all biomolecules and drugs allowing therefore for isotopic labelling of their chemical structures but also that a given molecule could be radiolabelled at different functions or sites, permitting to explore (or to take advantage of) in vivo metabolic pathways. PET chemistry includes production of these short-lived radioactive isotopes via nuclear transmutation reactions using a cyclotron, and is directed towards the development of rapid synthetic methods, at the trace level, for the introduction of these nuclides into a molecule, as well as the use of fast purification, analysis and formulation techniques. PET chemistry is the driving force in molecular PET imaging, and this special issue of the Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals, which is strongly chemistry and radiochemistry-oriented, aims at illustrating, be it in part only, the state-of-the-art arsenal of reactions currently available and its potential for the research and development of specific molecular probes labelled with the positron emitters carbon-11 and fluorine-18, with optimal imaging properties for PET exploration of the brain.

Radiolabeled oligonucleotides for antisense imaging

Oligonucleotides radiolabeled with isotopes emitting γ-rays (for SPECT imaging) or positrons (for PET imaging) can be useful for targeting messenger RNA (mRNA) thereby serving as non-invasive imaging tools for detection of gene expression in vivo (antisense imaging). Radiolabeled oligonucleotides may also be used for monitoring their in vivo fate, thereby helping us better understand the barriers to its delivery for antisense targeting. These developments have led to a new area of molecular imaging and targeting, utilizing radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotides. However, the success of antisense imaging relies heavily on overcoming the barriers for its targeted delivery in vivo. Furthermore, the low ability of the radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotide to subsequently internalize into the cell and hybridize with its target mRNA poses additional challenges in realizing its potentials. This review covers the advances in the antisense imaging probe development for PET and SPECT, with an emphasis on radiolabeling strategies, stability, delivery and in vivo targeting.

Synthesis and application of 4-[(18)F]fluorobenzylamine: A versatile building block for the preparation of PET radiotracers

A novel synthesis of 4-[(18)F]fluorobenzylamine ([(18)F]FBA) by means of transition metal-assisted sodium borohydride reduction of 4-[(18)F]fluorobenzonitrile ([(18)F]FBN) is described. This approach could successfully be extended to borohydride exchange resin (BER) enabling a viable option for use in automated syntheses. [(18)F]FBA was used for the synthesis of 4-[(18)F]fluorobenzylamine-based thiol group-reactive prosthetic groups 4-[(18)F]fluorobenzyl-2-bromoacetamide ([(18)F]FBBA) and 4-[(18)F]fluorobenzylamidopropionyl maleimide ([(18)F]FBAPM). [(18)F]FBBA and [(18)F]FBAPM were obtained in radiochemical yields of 75% and 55%, respectively. Feasibility of using [(18)F]FBAPM as novel prosthetic group for peptide and protein labelling was demonstrated with cysteine-containing tripeptide glutathione (GSH). [(18)F]FBBA was used for labelling of a fully phosphorothioated 20mer oligodesoxynucleotide (ODN).

One-pot, direct incorporation of [11C]CO2 into carbamates

Why beat about the bush? An operationally simple and mild reaction based on the direct fixation of (11)CO(2) with 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) has been developed for the synthesis of (11)C-labeled carbamates at 75 degrees C within 10 minutes in radiochemical yields above 70% (see scheme). This strategy should be immediately useful for the construction of new radiotracers for positron emission tomography and other applications.

Practical experiences with the synthesis of [11C]CH3I through gas phase iodination reaction using a TRACERlabFXC synthesis module

The results of [(11)C]CH(3)I synthesis through hydrogen gas reduction of [(11)C]CO(2) on different nickel catalysts (HARSHAW-nickel, SHIMALITE-nickel, nickel on silica/alumina, nickel nanosize 99.99%) followed by gas phase iodination using a TRACERlab FX(C) synthesis unit are reported. Further reaction parameters such as furnace temperatures, flow rate of hydrogen gas and reduction time were optimized. It was found that reduction of [(11)C]CO(2) proceeded in 28-83% yield depending on the nickel catalyst and temperature. The gas phase iodination (methane conversion) gave 31-62% of [(11)C]CH(3)I depending on temperature and amount of iodine in the iodine furnace. [(11)C]CH(3)I was used for heteroatom methylation reactions exemplified by a piperazine and a phenol (1 and 3). The specific activity of the (11)C-labelled products 2 and 4 was determined after HPLC purification and solid-phase extraction. Compounds 2 and 4 were obtained in 8-14% radiochemical yield (decay-corrected, based upon trapped [(11)C]CH(4)) within 30 min. The specific activity was determined to be in the range of 20-30 GBq/mumol at the end-of-synthesis. Nickel catalyst nanosize was found to be superior compared with other Ni catalysts tested. The relatively low specific activity may be mainly due to carbon contaminations originating from the long copper tubing (500 m) between the cyclotron and the radiochemistry facility.

Synthesis of two potential NK1-receptor ligands using [1-11C]ethyl iodide and [1-11C]propyl iodide and initial PET-imaging

Background

The previously validated NK₁-receptor ligand [O-methyl-¹¹C]GR205171 binds with a high affinity to the NK₁-receptor and displays a slow dissociation from the receptor. Hence, it cannot be used in vivo for detecting concentration changes in substance P, the endogenous ligand for the NK₁-receptor. A radioligand used for monitoring these changes has to enable displacement by the endogenous ligand and thus bind reversibly to the receptor. Small changes in the structure of a receptor ligand can lead to changes in binding characteristics and also in the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study was to use carbon-11 labelled ethyl and propyl iodide with high specific radioactivity in the synthesis of two new and potentially reversible NK₁-receptor ligands with chemical structures based on [O-methyl-¹¹C]GR205171.

Methods

[1-¹¹C]Ethyl and [1-¹¹C]propyl iodide with specific radioactivities of 90 GBq/μmol and 270 GBq/μmol, respectively, were used in the synthesis of [O-methyl-¹¹C]GR205171 analogues by alkylation of O-desmethyl GR205171. The brain uptake of the obtained (2S,3S)-N-(1-(2- [1-¹¹C]ethoxy-5-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)ethyl)-2-phenylpiperidin-3-amine (I) and (2S,3S)-2-phenyl-N-(1-(2- [1-¹¹C]propoxy-5-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)phenyl)ethyl)piperidin-3-amine (II) was studied with PET in guinea pigs and rhesus monkeys and compared to the uptake of [O-methyl-¹¹C]GR205171.

Results

All ligands had similar uptake distribution in the guinea pig brain. The PET-studies in rhesus monkeys showed that (II) had no specific binding in striatum. Ligand (I) had moderate specific binding compared to the [O-methyl-¹¹C]GR205171. The ethyl analogue (I) displayed reversible binding characteristics contrary to the slow dissociation rate shown by [O-methyl-¹¹C]GR205171.

Conclusion

The propyl-analogue (II) cannot be used for detecting changes in NK₁-ligand levels, while further studies should be performed with the ethyl-analogue (I).

Radical Carbonylation with [11C]Carbon Monoxide Promoted by Oxygen-Centered Radicals: Experimental and DFT Studies of the Mechanism

Photoinitiated carbonylation of alkyl iodides with [11C]carbon monoxide (11C t1/2=20.4 min) is enhanced by ketones that have lowest-lying excited triplet state of npi* character. For example, adding 5 mol % of acetophenone increases radiochemical yields from 3 to 59% in brief 6-min long reactions. Similar or higher yields were achieved by adding di-tert-butyl peroxide. Since radicaloid npi* exited-state ketones and tert-butoxyl radicals have similar reactivity, the photosensitization proceeds most likely via a H-atom transfer mechanism rather than via energy transfer. We propose a mechanism that can account for the enhancement as well as for the formation of observed byproducts. The energy profile obtained by DFT calculations support the feasibility of the mechanism, and observed experimental differences in reactivity could be well rationalized by the calculated data. NBO calculations were performed to further analyze the obtained energetics. Various [carbonyl-11C]esters and some [carbonyl-11C]amides were synthesized in good radiochemical yields from primary and secondary alkyl iodides illustrating the utility of dialkyl peroxides to accelerate the carbonylations. These findings have potential in elaborating new synthetic protocols for the production of 11C-labeled tracers for positron emission tomography.

Synthesis and Bioimaging of Positron-Emitting15O-Labeled 2-Deoxy-D-glucose of Two-Minute Half-Life

In positron emission tomography (PET), which exploits the affinity of a radiopharmaceutical for the target organ, a systematic repertoire of oxygen-15-labeled PET tracers is expected to be useful for bioimaging owing to the ubiquity of oxygen atoms in organic compounds. However, because of the 2-min half-life of 15O, the synthesis of complex biologically active 15O-labeled organic molecules has not yet been achieved. A state-of-the-art synthesis now makes available an 15O-labeled complex organic molecule, 6-[15O]-2-deoxy-D-glucose. Ultrarapid radical hydroxylation of 2,6-dideoxy-6-iodo-D-glucose with molecular oxygen labeled with 15O of two-minute half-life provided the target 15O-labeled molecule. The labeling reaction with 15O was complete in 1.3 min, and the entire operation time starting from the generation of 15O-containing dioxygen by a cyclotron to the purification of the labeled sugar was 7 min. The labeled sugar accumulated in the metabolically active organs as well as in the bladder of mice and rats. 15O-labeling offers the possibility of repetitive scanning and the use of multiple PET tracers in the same body within a short time, and hence should significantly expand the scope of PET studies of small animals.

Fluorine-18 labeling of small molecules: the use of 18F-labeled aryl fluorides derived from no-carrier-added [18F]fluoride as labeling precursors

The favourable long-half life, the ease of production and the low energy of the emitted positron make 18F an ideal radionuclide for PET imaging. Radiochemistry of 18F basically relies on two distinctive types of reactions: nucleophilic and electrophilic reactions. All syntheses of 18F-labeled radiotracers are based on either [18F]fluoride ion or [18F]fluorine gas as simple primary labeling precursors which are obtained directly from the cyclotron. They can be applied either directly to the radiosynthesis or they can be transformed into more complex labeling precursors enabling the multi-step build-up of organic tracer molecules. The topic of this review is a survey on the application of several 18F-labeled aryl fluorides as building blocks derived from no-carrier-added (n.c.a.) [18F] fluoride to build up small monomeric PET radiotracers at high specific radioactivity by multi-step synthesis procedures.

Carbon-11 labeling chemistry based upon [11C]methyl iodide

Radiochemistry with the short-lived positron emitter 11C (half-life 20.38 min) represents special challenges in terms of synthesis time and labeling techniques. The recent developments in 11C radiochemistry have steadily expanded the number of 11C labeled compounds. This chapter addresses selected chemical and technical aspects of 11C chemistry based on the readily available labeling precursors [11 C]methyl iodide and, to a lesser extent, [11C]methyl triflate. Special emphasis is placed on heteroatom methylation reactions and 11C-C bond formations.

Radionuclide imaging of miniaturized chemical analysis systems

We propose radionuclide imaging as a valuable tool for the study of molecular interactions in miniaturized systems for chemical analysis. Sensitive and quantitative imaging can be performed with compounds labeled with short-lived positron-emitting radionuclides, such as (11)C and (68)Ga, within selected parts of the system. Radionuclide imaging is not restricted to transparent materials since the relatively energetic positrons can penetrate high optical density materials. Experimentally, a radiotracer is introduced into the object of study, which is subsequently placed on a phosphor storage plate. After exposure, the plate is scanned with a laser and a digital, quantitative image can be reconstituted. To demonstrate the concept, three types of microstructures suited for integration in chemical analysis systems were imaged with (11)C- and (68)Ga-labeled tracers. The influence of factors such as geometry of the object and type of radionuclide on resolution and sensitivity was investigated. The resolution ranged from 0.9 to 2.7 mm (fwhm). Measuring low amounts of radioactivity in the three structures, 2-20 Bq could be detected, which corresponded to 2.3-500 amol or 2.4-110 pM tracer. The imaging approach was applied to study analyte concentration and sample dilution effects on the performance of a capillary extraction column integrated in an automated LC-ESI-MS system. The utility of the technique was further illustrated by imaging of microchannels in a zeonor plastic compact disk and in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) material for the study of nonspecific peptide adsorption.

Biodistribution of 68Ga-labelled phosphodiester, phosphorothioate, and 2'-O-methyl phosphodiester oligonucleotides in normal rats

Antisense oligonucleotides may hybridise with high selectivity to mRNA sequences allowing monitoring of gene expression or inhibition of the manifestation of altered genes inducing diseases. As part of the development of positron emission tomography methods, 17-mer antisense phosphodiester (PO), phosphorothioate (PS) and 2'-O-methyl phosphodiester (OMe) oligonucleotides specific for point mutationally activated human K-ras oncogene were labelled with 68Ga radionuclide via a chelator coupled to the probe. Hybridisation in solution and non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) with a subsequent exposure of the gels was performed to verify the hybridisation ability after labelling. The biodistribution was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting 2MBq of 68Ga-oligonucleotides via the tail vein and measuring the organ radioactivity concentration after 20, 60 and 120 min or using whole-body autoradiography with 10 MBq 68Ga-oligonucleotide and 20 min incubation time. Control experiments were performed with 68GaCl3 and 68Ga-chelator complex. The results revealed that 68Ga-labelling did not change the hybridisation abilities of the oligonucleotides. The biodistribution pattern depended on the nature of the oligonucleotide backbone. Bone marrow, kidney, liver, spleen and urinary bladder were the five organs of highest uptake with each oligonucleotide. The PO accumulated highly in the liver, whereas high kidney uptake dominated the PS and OMe patterns. Intact PS and OMe were detected in plasma samples taken 20 and 60 min after injection. This study supplies a base for the further development of 68Ga-labelled oligonucleotides as pharmacokinetic tools and a potential future use for in vivo imaging of gene expression.

Distribution of intranasal C-zolmitriptan assessed by positron emission tomography

Nine healthy volunteers aged 18-28 years were recruited into this open, single-centre, two-phase trial. In phase 1, two volunteers received a single dose of 11C-zolmitriptan 2.5 mg administered as a nasal spray and then underwent positron emission tomography (PET) scanning to determine the most appropriate times for scanning in phase 2. In phase 2, six volunteers received two doses and an additional volunteer one dose of 11C-zolmitriptan 2.5 mg intranasally. Volunteers underwent PET scanning over sectors covering one of the nasopharynx, lungs or abdomen, for up to 1.5 h postdose. The brain was also scanned and plasma zolmitriptan levels were measured. Almost 100% of the administered dose was detected in the nasopharynx immediately after dosing. This declined thereafter to about 50% at 20 min and to 35% at 80 min after dosing. Radioactivity appeared slowly in the upper abdomen, with 25% of given radioactivity detected at 20 min and persisting until 80 min after dosing. Minimal radioactivity was detected in the lungs. Radioactivity was detectable within brain tissue suggesting central penetration of zolmitriptan. Zolmitriptan in plasma had approached its maximum concentration by 15 min postdose. The data indicate initial absorption across the nasal mucosa contributing to an early systemic availability. 11C-Zolmitriptan administered intranasally was well tolerated.

Photoinitiated Free Radical Carbonylation Enhanced by Photosensitizers

[reaction: see text] The enhancing effect of several photosensitizers in photoinitiated radical carbonylation is demonstrated and applied to accelerate the synthesis of compounds labeled with short-lived 11C. With the sensitizers, the synthesis of [carbonyl-11C]esters and acids from alkyl iodides, [11C]carbon monoxide, alcohols, and water provided up to 75-85% decay-corrected radiochemical yields in 6-min reactions under mild conditions. Acetone was used as a sensitizer in preparing 13C-substituted 1,10-decanedicarboxylic acid from (13C)carbon monoxide.

Aspects of positron emission tomography radiochemistry as relevant for food chemistry

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique using compounds labelled with short-lived positron emitting radioisotopes to obtain functional information of physiological, biochemical and pharmacological processes in vivo. The need to understand the potential link between the ingestion of individual dietary agents and the effect of health promotion or health risk requires the exact metabolic characterization of food ingredients in vivo. This exciting but rather new research field of PET would provide new insights and perspectives on food chemistry by assessing quantitative information on pharmocokinetics and pharmacodynamics of food ingredients and dietary agents. To fully exploit PET technology in food chemistry appropriately radiolabelled compounds as relevant for food sciences are needed. The most widely used short-lived positron emitters are (11)C (t(1/2) = 20.4 min) and (18)F (t(1/2) = 109.8 min). Longer-lived radioisotopes are available by using (76)Br (t(1/2) = 16.2 h) and (124)I (t(1/2) = 4.12 d). The present review article tries to discuss some aspects for the radiolabelling of food ingredients and dietary agents either by means of isotopic labelling with (11)C or via prosthetic group labelling approaches using the positron emitting halogens (18)F, (76)Br and (124)I.

Synthesis of 18F-labelled cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors via Stille reaction with 4-[18F]fluoroiodobenzene as radiotracers for positron emission tomography (PET)

The Stille reaction with 4-[(18)F]fluoroiodobenzene as a novel approach for the synthesis of radiotracers for monitoring COX-2 expression by means of PET has been developed. Optimized reaction conditions were elaborated by screening of various catalyst systems and solvents. By using optimized reaction conditions (18)F-labelled COX-2 inhibitors [(18)F]-5 and [(18)F]-13 could be obtained in radiochemical yields of up to 94% and 68%, respectively, based upon 4-[(18)F]fluoroiodobenzene.

Synthesis and evaluation of (S)-2-(2-[18F]fluoroethoxy)-4-([3-methyl-1-(2-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-butyl-carbamoyl]-methyl)-benzoic acid ([18F]repaglinide): a promising radioligand for quantification of pancreatic beta-cell mass with positron emission tomography (PET)

18F-labeled non-sulfonylurea hypoglycemic agent (S)-2-(2-[(18)F]fluoroethoxy)-4-((3-methyl-1-(2-piperidin-1-yl-phenyl)-butylcarbamoyl)-methyl)-benzoic acid ([(18)F]repaglinide), a derivative of the sulfonylurea-receptor (SUR) ligand repaglinide, was synthesized as a potential tracer for the non-invasive investigation of the sulfonylurea 1 receptor status of pancreatic beta-cells by positron emission tomography (PET) in the context of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. [(18)F]Repaglinide could be obtained in an overall radiochemical yield (RCY) of 20% after 135 min with a radiochemical purity higher than 98% applying the secondary labeling precursor 2-[(18)F]fluoroethyltosylate. Specific activity was in the range of 50-60 GBq/micromol. Labeling was conducted by exchanging the ethoxy-moiety into a 2-[(18)F]fluoroethoxy group. To characterize the properties of fluorinated repaglinide, the affinity of the analogous non-radioactive (19)F-compound for binding to the human SUR1 isoform was assessed. [(19)F]Repaglinide induced a complete monophasic inhibition curve with a Hill coefficient close to 1 (1.03) yielding a dissociation constant (K(D)) of 134 nM. Biological activity was proven via insulin secretion experiments on isolated rat islets and was comparable to that of repaglinide. Finally, biodistribution of [(18)F]repaglinide was investigated in rats by measuring the concentration of the compound in different organs after i.v. injection. Pancreatic tissue displayed a stable accumulation of approximately 0.12% of the injected dose from 10 min to 30 min p.i. 50% of the radioactive tracer could be displaced by additional injection of unlabeled repaglinide, indicating that [(18)F]repaglinide might be suitable for in vivo investigation with PET.

Synthesis of 11C-labelled N,N'-diphenylurea and ethyl phenylcarbamate by a rhodium-promoted carbonylation via [11C]isocyanatobenzene using phenyl azide and [11C]carbon monoxide

The reaction with phenyl azide and [11C]carbon monoxide to give N,N'-diphenyl[11C]urea and ethyl phenyl[11C]carbamate has been studied with the aim of development of a new methodology for carbonylation using [11C]carbon monoxide with high specific radioactivity. The synthesis of 11C-labelled N,N'-diphenylurea from phenyl azide and [11C]carbon monoxide, with 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane-bound Rh(I) complex at 120 degrees C at a pressure of 35 MPa in the presence of aniline was accomplished in 82% trapping efficiency and 82% conversion yield. This approach was also useful for the synthesis of ethyl phenyl[11C]carbamate with lithium ethoxide as a nucleophilic reagent giving 90% trapping efficiency and 76% conversion yield. These reactions can be considered to proceed via a [11C]isocyanate or a [11C]isocyanate-coordinated Rh complex to give the corresponding 11C-products. This protocol provides the chemical basis for the synthesis of [11C]urea and [11C]carbamate derived from [11C]isocyanates.

Synthesis of [11C]/(13C)amines via carbonylation followed by reductive amination

Twelve 11C-labelled amines were prepared via 11C-carbonylation followed by reductive amination. The 11C-carbonylation was performed in the presence of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium using aryl iodides or aryl triflates, [11C]carbon monoxide and phenyl-/methylboronic acid. The [11C]ketones formed in this step were then transformed directly into amines by reductive amination using different amines in the presence of TiCl4 and NaBH3CN. The 11C-labelled amines were obtained with decay-corrected radiochemical yields in the range 2-78%. The radiochemical purity of the isolated products exceeded 98%. (13C)Benzhydryl-phenyl-amine was synthesised and analysed by NMR spectroscopy for confirmation of the labelling position. Specific radioactivity was determined for the same compound. The reference compounds were prepared by reductive amination of ketones using conventional reaction conditions and three of the compounds were novel. The presented approach is a new method for the synthesis of [11C]/(13C)amines.