Synthesis of a new precursor to the nicotinic receptor tracer 5-IA-85380 precursor using trimethylsilyl iodide as deblocking agent

We describe the synthesis of a new precursor of 5-IA-85380, specific radiotracer for α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. (S)-5-Trimethylstannyl-3-(2-azetidinylmethoxy)pyridine (4) was prepared in six steps and 62% overall yield starting from (S)-2-azetidinecarboxylic acid. The key step of this synthesis is selective release of the amine function without removing the stannyl moiety using trimethylsilyl iodine.