Methods and agents for preparing 18F-radiolabeled fluorinating agents

A method for preparing an anhydrous 18F-radiolabeled fluorinating agent having the formula [QnM]x+(18F−)x, wherein:

• Q is an organic moiety selected from the group consisting of alkyls, heteroalkyls, aryls, heteroaryls, alkenyls, alkynyls, and polymers;
• n is an integer such that [QnM] carries at least one formal positive charge;
• M is a moiety capable of supporting a positive charge;
• and
• x is an integer representing the number of formal positives charge(s), +, carried by the [QnM];
• the method comprising:
• (a) a nucleophilic reaction of a 18F-radiolabeled fluoride salt with an unsaturated carrier compound in an anhydrous polar aprotic solvent, wherein the unsaturated carrier compound is selected from the group consisting of:
• an aromatic compound, an electron deficient aromatic compound, a heteroaromatic compound, and an electron deficient heteroaromatic compound;
• to produce a 18F-radiolabeled carrier compound;
• and
• (b) reacting the 18F-radiolabeled carrier compound with a nucleophilic composition having the formula [QnM]x+Ax″, wherein A is nucleophile, in a second nucleophilic reaction to yield the anhydrous 18F-radiolabeled fluorinating agent having the formula [QnM]x+(18F−)x.