Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful imaging technique for the in vivo study of molecular interactions and molecular pathways in the human body. In combination with appropriately labeled radiotracers, PET offers exceptional possibilities to study physiology, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and modes of action of novel and established drugs, and food ingredients.

 

The key element of PET is the PET-radiotracer, a compound labelled with a short-lived positron emitter. The most useful positron emitters for the labelling of organic molecules are ¹¹C and ¹⁸F which have half-lives measured in minutes, being 20.4 min and 109.6 min, respectively. Consequently, time dominates all aspects of PET. In this connection the extensive performance of organic radiochemistry using ¹¹C and ¹⁸F is fundamental but also a special challenge. This review will address the recent developments of organic PET radiochemistry in the synthesis of PET radiotracers with special focus on ¹¹C and ¹⁸F.