A new approach for the synthesis of 18F-radiolabelled phthalocyanines and porphyrins as potential bimodal/theranostic agents

Abstract

The synthesis of a series of new fluorinated phthalocyanines and porphyrins as potential bimodal probes is evaluated. In these complexes, zinc phthalocyanine functions as a fluorescence imaging moiety while attachment of an aliphatic chain of different lengths bearing a tosylate group permits introduction of fluorine via nucleophilic substitution of the tosylate group. Using short-lived [18F]fluoride gives the analogous 18 F -radiolabelled tracer rendering the bimodal probe suitable for both fluorescence and PET imaging.