18F-Fluoroform: a 18F-trifluoromethylating agent for the synthesis of SCF218F-aromatic derivatives.

Herein the synthesis of various SCF218F-containing derivatives is reported by a transition metal-free process. By using HCF218F, readily generated from a bench-stable difluoromethyl sulfonium salt, various aromatic disulfides were easily converted into the desired radiolabelled trifluoromethylthiolated compounds in the presence of a base. This protocol allowed the formation of the SCF218F-containing aromatic derivatives in good to excellent radiochemical yields. This process was also extended to the corresponding selenium derivative.