Rapid synthesis of a 5′-fluorinated oligodeoxy-nucleotide: A model antisense probe for use in imaging with positron emission tomography (PET)

5′-Deoxy-5′-fluoro-O4-methylthymidine was synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding 5′-O-tosylate with KF in the presence of Kryptofix [222] and coupled to a 5′-phosphoramidite-activated CPG-bound oligodeoxynucleotide. The sequence of reactions and purifications were accomplished within 4 h, a necessary condition of the development of radiofluorinated antisense oligodeoxynucleotide probe for use with PET.