Synthetic Studies Toward 1-¹³CPyruvate

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is limited in clinical application due to its low sensitivity. Hyperpolarization technology overcomes this limitation by enhancing molecular MRI signal. At present, 1-¹³Cpyruvate is the most important hyperpolarized biological probe, which is widely used in hyperpolarized MRI research. In this study, an efficient two-step sequence of nucleophilic addition reaction and ozonation reaction for synthesis of 1-¹³Cpyruvate from ¹³CO₂ was developed, with the yield of 71.5%, and the chemical purity was above 98%. Furthermore, the ozonation reaction was optimized to furnish the one-pot synthesis of 1-¹³Cpyruvate in 70.5% yield, and the chemical purity was above 98%. The synthesis of 1-¹³Cpyruvate provides a basis for the development of magnetic resonance imaging research.