Synthesis of potent radiolabeled acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

As positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) become more available, appropriately labeled imaging agents will be needed to aid in the definitive diagnosis of neurological diseases. The goal of this research was the development of radiolabeled derivatives of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors that could aid in the detection ofAlzheimer's disease. The efficient syntheses of a fluorine-18 and an iodine-123 derivative of 1-(3-benzyl)-4-[2-(N-phthalimid-l-yl)ethyl]piperidine are described.