Synthesis of 2-methyl-4(5)-nitro[15N1(3)]imidazole from 2-methyl-4(5)-nitroimidazole

Abstract

A simple four-stage conversion of 2-methyl-4(5)-nitroimidazole to 2-methyl-4(5)-nitro[15N1(3)]imidazole is reported. The method consists in N-nitration of the initial compound to 2-methyl-1,4-dinitroimidazole, treating the latter with [15N]glycine and N-dealkylation of the obtained (2-methyl-4-nitro[15N1]imidazol-1-yl)acetic acid through its bromination in the presence of phosphorus trichloride, followed by the hydrolysis of the non-isolated intermediate.