18F-BPA Synthesis via Boron-Substituted Intermediate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing 18F-BPA involve complex reaction steps and long preparation times, which are inefficient and limit the radiochemical yield and clinical application.

Innovation Solution

A simplified method for preparing 18F-BPA is developed, which involves using intermediate I, where R1 or R2 represents halogens, boric acid groups, or hydrolyzable substituents, and R3 or R4 represents amino-protecting groups. The method includes reacting intermediate I-2 with a 18F ion, followed by deprotection to obtain 18F-BPA, under mild conditions with high yield and purity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used for preparing 18F-BPA with multiple reaction steps, then the substitution reaction can be performed, but the preparation time is long and the synthesis process is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiochemical yieldVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing the boron substitution reaction before 18F labeling. The intermediate compound is prepared in advance with a boron-containing group already attached to the phenylalanine structure. This allows the 18F labeling step to be the final and only radiochemical step, eliminating the need for subsequent substitution reactions and significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining high radiochemical yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The synthesis process is segmented into two independent parts: (1) preparation of the boron-containing intermediate compound with protected amino and carboxyl groups, and (2) 18F labeling of this intermediate. This segmentation allows the non-radioactive boron substitution to be completed beforehand, and only the radioactive 18F incorporation requires minimal time, thus resolving the contradiction between thorough substitution and time efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple reaction steps are performed for 18F-BPA preparation, then the substitution can be achieved, but the synthesis steps are complex and yield is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiochemical yieldVSAvoidsynthesis steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The boron substitution and intermediate formation are performed in advance before 18F labeling. The intermediate compound containing the boron group and protected functional groups is prepared separately, so that the actual 18F-BPA synthesis requires only the 18F labeling and deprotection steps, dramatically simplifying the overall synthesis pathway while ensuring high radiochemical yield through optimized final steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex boron substitution chemistry is extracted and performed as a separate preparatory step outside the main 18F labeling sequence. By taking out the multi-step substitution process and completing it beforehand to generate a stable intermediate, the patent eliminates these complex steps from the time-sensitive radiochemical synthesis, reducing both complexity and improving yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If conventional substitution reactions are performed after 18F labeling, then the 18F-BPA can be obtained, but the preparation time is extended beyond the 110 min half-life of 18F

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiochemical yieldVSAvoidpreparation duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the conventional sequence by performing the boron substitution reaction in advance before 18F labeling. The intermediate compound is prepared with the boron group already in place, so that after 18F incorporation, only a simple deprotection step is needed to obtain 18F-BPA. This ensures the entire radiochemical process completes well within the 110-minute half-life of 18F, maximizing radiochemical yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional synthesis sequence where substitution normally follows labeling. Instead, it performs the substitution reaction first to create the boron-containing intermediate, then performs 18F labeling as the final step. This inversion eliminates the need for post-labeling substitution reactions, compressing the preparation time to fit within the 18F half-life window

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method significantly reduces the synthesis steps after 18F labeling, resulting in a simple, efficient, and high-yield process that improves the radiochemical yield and meets clinical needs.

Implementation Method 1

the substitution reactions of boric esters are all performed after 18F labeling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSubstitution reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

18F-BPA is obtained by the reaction of an aldehyde group on the benzene ring with phenylazolinone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

18F-BPA is obtained by substituting a 18F ion for the nitro group on benzene ring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSubstitution reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12331067B2Method for preparing <sup>18</sup>F-BPA and intermediate
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 NEUBORON MEDTECH LTD
  • US12331067B2 patent drawing
  • US12331067B2 patent drawing
  • US12331067B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for preparing 18F-BPA and an intermediate, by which high-purity 18F-BPA is obtained. The method simplifies the synthesis steps after 18F labeling, and is easy to operate and efficient.