Mild synthesis of [N-methyl-11C]-isovaleroyl-(image)-carnitine. The usefulness of a tritium approach

The title carnitine derivative was labelled both with [11C]methyl iodide and [3H]methyl iodide. The former was synthesized in order to improve the knowledge of the acyl carnitines fate in humans. The latter was synthesized, at approximately the same concentration level as that of the former, in order to optimize its radiosynthesis, taking advantage from the long half-life of the tritium.