Asymmetric synthesis of L-[3-11C]phenylalanine using chiral hydrogenation catalysts

The seven-step synthesis of L-[3-11C]phenylalanine using chiral diphosphines as ligands in rhodium catalysts is reported. [11C]Benzaldehyde, prepared in a three-step reaction from [11C]carbon dioxide, as reported elsewhere, was reacted with 2-phenyl-5-oxazolone or 2-(4-chloro)phenyl-5-oxazolone in the presence of the tertiary amine diazabicyclooctane (DABCO). The resultant [α-11C]-4-arylene-2-atyl-5-oxazolones were hydrogenated after ring opening, using the chiral rhodium complex of (R)-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane [(R)-PROPHOS] or (+)-2,3-isopropylidene-2,3-dihydroxy-1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane [(+)-DIOP]. After removal of the amino protecting group, the labelled amino acid was obtained on purification by preparative LC in 10-15% radiochemical yield, and radiochemical purity higher than 95% from [11C]carbon dioxide within 60 min. The optical purity of the products determined by the tRNA method and capillary GC, was 80 and 60% e.e., respectively (i.e. L/D=90/10 and 80/20). (author)