One-step 18F labeling of biomolecules using organotrifluoroborates

18F is commonly used for preparation of probes for position-emission tomography. This protocol is for the modular synthesis of radiolabeling precursors via a copper-catalyzed 'click' reaction followed by a one-step 18F labeling. Herein we present a general protocol for the functionalization of biomolecules with an organotrifluoroborate moiety so that they can be radiolabeled with aqueous 18F fluoride (18F−) and used for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Among the β+-emitting radionuclides, fluorine-18 (18F) is the isotope of choice for PET, and it is produced, on-demand, in many hospitals worldwide. Organotrifluoroborates can be 18F-labeled in one step in aqueous conditions via 18F–19F isotope exchange. This protocol features a recently designed ammoniomethyltrifluoroborate, and it describes the following: (i) a synthetic strategy that affords modular synthesis of radiolabeling precursors via a copper-catalyzed 'click' reaction; and (ii) a one-step 18F-labeling method that obviates the need for HPLC purification. Within 30 min, 18F-labeled PET imaging probes, such as peptides, can be synthesized in good chemical and radiochemical purity (>98%), satisfactory radiochemical yield of 20–35% (n > 20, non-decay corrected) and high specific activity of 40–111 GBq/μmol (1.1–3.0 Ci/μmol). The entire procedure, including the precursor preparation and 18F radiolabeling, takes 7–10 d.