Catalyst-Free Aromatic Radiofluorination via Oxidized Iodoarene Precursors.

Oxidized iodoarenes (OIAs), prepared via mCPBA-mediated oxidation, have been demonstrated as versatile precursors for the synthesis of [18F]fluoroarenes in the absence of catalysts. OIAs have been identified as intermediates in single-pot syntheses of iodonium salts and ylides but have never been recognized as radiofluorination precursors. Here, the isolated OIAs were used without any catalysts to produce functionalized [18F]fluoroarenes, regardless of the electronic nature of the arenes. This method was also applied to the production of radiolabeling synthons for use as aromatic 18F-labeled building blocks.