Synthesis of 123I-labelled 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jlcr.2580140515

A rapid and convenient synthesis of the psychotomimetic agent 4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine is described, incorporating the radioisotope ¹²³I (T 1/2 13 hr). With the amine function of 2,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine blocked as the phthalimide, it was found that the aromatic 4-position could be directly iodinated with iodine monochloride. The phthalic acid moiety was rapidly removed with hydrazine in butanol to provide the title compound, as the hydrochloride salt, in an overall yield of 10% and in a reaction time of less than one half-life.