Labeling Strategies with F-18 for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging

The labeling of probes with fluorine-18 [18F, β(+); 96.7%] continues to play a considerably important role in the development of positron emission tomography (PET) as a modality for both clinical research and clinical diagnoses. This review summarizes the strategies and recent developments in the fluorine-18 labeling of probes for PET imaging. Problems and issues relating to the practical production of fluorine-18 currently in widespread use are also discussed. Keywords: Probe, fluorination, F-18, positron emission tomography (PET), molecular imaging, labeling chemistry, radiotracer, radiochemists, radiopharmaceuticals, solid-phase, microfluidics, microwave chemistry