Microwave-enhanced PET Radiochemistry

Positron emission tomography (PET) employs radiotracers and radioligands containing positron emitters (e.g. and F) in organic molecules, to 

Because of these requirements, and in particular, the need to perform the reactions rapidly, it is not surprising that the application of microwaves was explored in the PET radiopharmaceutical synthesis area at an early stage [110]. However, the subsequent development did not match the rapid expansion in synthetic organic chemistry area in large part due to more stringent radiation safety considerations. 

With the development of new instrumentation and understanding of reaction behavior under microwave conditions more PET radioligands and PET radiopharmaceutical research are now carried out under microwave enhanced conditions. Two important reviews [8, 9] are available for an up-to-date picture whilst here we discuss some noteworthy, and more recent examples. The benefits of microwaves to PET radiochemistry are also highlighted in other general review articles [111-114]. 

---