A universal procedure for the [¹⁸F]trifluoromethylation of aryl iodides and aryl boronic acids with highly improved specific activity.

Herein, we describe a valuable method for the introduction of the [(18)F]CF3 group into arenes with highly improved specific activity by the reaction of [(18)F]trifluoromethane with aryl iodides or aryl boronic acids. This [(18)F]trifluoromethylation reaction is the first to be described in which the [(18)F]CF3 products are generated in actual trace amounts and can therefore effectively be used as PET tracers. The method shows broad scope with respect to possible aryl iodide and aryl boronic acid substrates, as well as good to excellent conversion. In particular, the [(18)F]trifluoromethylation of boronic acids was found to outperform [(18)F]trifluoromethylation reactions of halogenated aryl precursors with regard to conversion, reaction conditions, and kinetics.