Synthesis of [ 18 F]-γ-fluoro-α,β,-unsaturated esters and ketones via vinylogous 18 F-fluorination of α-diazoacetates with [ 18 F]AgF.

This communication reports a method for the vinylogous radiofluorination of α-diazoacetates to generate γ-[ ¹⁸ F]fluoro-α,β-unsaturated esters and ketones in moderate to good radiochemical yields. The method uses no-carrier-added [ ¹⁸ F]AgF and is compatible with aromatic and non-aromatic substrates and a number of different functional groups. The labeling method is showcased in the synthesis of a fluorinated 5-cholesten-3-one derivative as well as a difluorinated product pertinent to drug discovery.