Synthesis of a new adrenal cortex imaging agent 6β 131I iodomethyl 19 nor cholest 5(10) en 3β ol (NP 59)

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jlcr.2590110318

A new adrenal cortex imaging agent, 6β ¹³¹I iodomethyl 19 norcholest 5 (10) en 3β ol (NP 59) [I] was synthesized by the homallylic rearrangement of 19 iodocholesterol or directly from cholest 5 ene 3β,19 diol 19 toluene sulfonate via homoallylic rearrangement with the iodide ion as a nucleophile and subsequent exchange with Na¹³¹I. NP 59 appears to concentrate 5 times better than 19 iodocholesterol in the rat adrenal and is currently being evaluated as a possible diagnostic agent in man.