Negishi coupling reactions with [11C]CH3I: a versatile method for efficient 11C–C bond formation

Herein, we present a fast, efficient and general one-pot method for the synthesis of 11C-labelled compounds via the Negishi cross-coupling reaction. Our approach, based on the in situ formation of [11C]CH3ZnI and subsequent reaction with aryl halides or triflates, has proven efficient to synthesize [11C]thymidine, a biologically relevant compound with potential applications as a proliferation marker. Theoretical calculations have shown irreversible formation of a tetracoordinated nucleophilic 11C–Zn(II) reagent and electronic requirements for an efficient Negishi coupling.