Automated synthesis of 6-[18F]fluoro-image-DOPA using modified polystyrene supports with bound 6-mercuric DOPA precursors

Polystyrene polymer substrates were prepared having protected -DOPA precursors mercurated in the 6-position. When treated with gaseous [18F]acetyl hypofluorite followed by HI hydrolysis, 6-[18F]-fluoro-3,4-dihydroxy--phenylalanine (6-[18F]fluoro--DOPA) was obtained in 2–23% overall chemical yield. The highest yield was obtained using P-CH2CO2Hg(pro-DOPA), where P = polystyrene and pro-DOPA is protected -DOPA. These modified polystyrene supports are easily prepared, require no special storage treatment, and are convenient to use in an automated 6-[18F]fluoro--DOPA production system.