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NUCLIDE LABELLED H-TETRAZINES AND USE THEREOF FOR PET AND SPECT PRETARGETED IMAGING AND RADIONUCLIDE THERAPY

20240287104 ยท 2024-08-29

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    The present invention relates to novel tetrazine compounds for use in pretargeted in vivo imaging and in therapy and to the precursors of the tetrazine compounds. The compounds are suitable for use in click chemistry. i.e. reactions that join a targeting molecule and a reporter molecule. The compounds comprise a radionuclide of F, I or At and on or more polar groups providing that the compounds can efficiently react with extracellularly located pretargeting vectors and as such used for example for pretargeted cancer diagnostics and cancer therapy.

    Claims

    1. A H-tetrazine compound, having the following formula I: ##STR00161## wherein R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are independently selected from: a radionuclide selected from .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At; one or more group(s) providing a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3 to the compound of Formula I independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, (C1-C10) alkyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, (C1-C10)alkylene, (C1-C10)alkoxy, (C2-C10)dialkylamino, (C1-C10)alkylthio, (C2-C10)heteroalkyl, (C2-C10)heteroalkylene, (C3-C10)cycloalkyl, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkyl, (C3-C10)cycloalkylene, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkylene, (C1-C10)haloalkyl, (C1-C10)perhaloalkyl, (C2-C10)-alkenyloxy, (C3-C10)-alkynyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylalkyloxy, (C1-C6)alkyloxy-(C1-C4)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine; and wherein R.sub.6 is H; wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is a radionuclide and one or more of the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is a/are group(s) providing a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3, and any R.sub.1-R.sub.5 remaining thereafter is/are H.

    2. A H-tetrazine compound according to claim 1, wherein said one or more group(s) providing a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3 to the compound of Formula I is selected from: OH, NR.sub.7R.sub.8, CH.sub.2N(CH.sub.2COOH).sub.2, CH.sub.2NHCH.sub.2COOH, CH.sub.2NRCH.sub.2COOH, CONR.sub.7R.sub.8, SO.sub.3H, SO.sub.2NH.sub.2, and SO.sub.2NH, wherein R is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2COOH, R.sub.7 is H, CHs, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2COOH; and R.sub.8 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2COOH.

    3. A H-tetrazine compound according to claim 2, wherein said group providing lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3 is selected from CH.sub.2N(CH.sub.2COOH).sub.2, CH.sub.2NHCH.sub.2COOH, CH.sub.2NRCH.sub.2COOH, wherein R is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2COOH, and is situated at position R.sub.2 or R.sub.4 in formula I; and wherein said radionuclide is situated at the other position R.sub.2 or R.sub.4 in Formula I.

    4. A H-tetrazine compound according to claim 1, wherein said group providing a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3 to the compound of Formula I is selected from the polar groups (PG): ##STR00162## wherein X is CO(CH.sub.2).sub.n, SO.sub.2(CH.sub.2).sub.n, (CH.sub.2).sub.n or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n and n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and wherein Y is (CH.sub.2).sub.n, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.n or CO(CH.sub.2).sub.n and n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and wherein R is (CH.sub.2).sub.nCH.sub.3, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH, CO(CH.sub.2).sub.nCOOH, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOCH.sub.2COOH and n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and wherein the curly sign indicates the link to the aromatic ring.

    5. A H-tetrazine compound according to claim 1 selected from: ##STR00163## wherein X is selected from .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At, and R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is independently selected from H, (CH.sub.2).sub.nCH.sub.3, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOH, CO(CH.sub.2).sub.nCOOH, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.nOCH.sub.2COOH and n=0, 1, 2 or 3.

    6. A H-tetrazine tetrazine according to claim 1 selected from: ##STR00164## wherein X is selected from .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At.

    7. A tetrazine precursor having the following formula II: ##STR00165## wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of: SnR.sub.3, B(OR).sub.2, I.sup.+Ar, I double-bonded to R or SiR.sub.3, wherein R is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, cyclic C1-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with OH, NH.sub.2 or halogen; at least one of the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are selected from one or more group(s) selected from the group consisting of a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine (C1-C10) alkyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, (C1-C10)alkylene, (C1-C10) alkoxy, (C2-C10)dialkylamino, (C1-C10)alkylthio, (C2-C10)heteroalkyl, (C2-C10)heteroalkylene, (C3-C10)cycloalkyl, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkyl, (C3-C10)cycloalkylene, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkylene, (C1-C10)haloalkyl, (C1-C10)perhaloalkyl, (C2-C10)-alkenyloxy, (C3-C10)-alkynyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylalkyloxy, (C1-C6)alkyloxy-(C1-C4)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, an hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, or an amine; and any R.sub.1-R.sub.5 remaining thereafter is/are H; and wherein R6 is a H.

    8. A compound as defined in claim 1, wherein the radionuclide is .sup.211At or .sup.131I for use in radionuclide therapy.

    9. A compound for use as defined in claim 8, wherein the radionuclide therapy is of a cancer disease.

    10. A compound for use as defined in claim 8, wherein the radionuclide therapy is applied to target vectors which do not internalize, such as pathogen targets and/or cells infected with pathogens.

    11. A compound for use as defined in claim 8, wherein the compound does not penetrate cell membranes.

    12. A method comprising reacting ##STR00166## wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is independently selected from the group consisting of: SnR.sub.3, B(OR).sub.2, I.sup.+Ar, I double-bonded to R or SiR.sub.3, wherein R is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, cyclic C1-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with OH, NH.sub.2 or halogen; and at least one of the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine (C1-C10) alkyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, (C1-C10)alkylene, (C1-C10)alkoxy, (C2-C10)dialkylamino, (C1-C10)alkylthio, (C2-C10)heteroalkyl, (C2-C10)heteroalkylene, (C3-C10)cycloalkyl, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkyl, (C3-C10)cycloalkylene, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkylene, (C1-C10)haloalkyl, (C1-C10)perhaloalkyl, (C2-C10)-alkenyloxy, (C3-C10)-alkynyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylalkyloxy, (C1-C6)alkyloxy-(C1-C4)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, an hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, an substituted amine; with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, or an amine; and any R.sub.1-R.sub.5 remaining thereafter is/are H; and wherein R.sub.6 is a H.

    13. A method according to claim 12 comprising reacting ##STR00167## wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are independently selected from I or F and at least one of the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, (C1-C10) alkyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, (C1-C10)alkylene, (C1-C10)alkoxy, (C2-C10)dialkylamino, (C1-C10)alkylthio, (C2-C10)heteroalkyl, (C2-C10)heteroalkylene, (C3-C10)cycloalkyl, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkyl, (C3-C10)cycloalkylene, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkylene, (C1-C10)haloalkyl, (C1-C10)perhaloalkyl, (C2-C10)-alkenyloxy, (C3-C10)-alkynyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylalkyloxy, (C1-C6)alkyloxy-(C1-C4)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, an hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, or an amine; and any R.sub.1-R.sub.5 remaining thereafter is/are H; and wherein Re is a H.

    14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the reaction is carried out at a temperature range of from 50 to 70? C. and wherein water is added after cooling to room temperature followed by addition of HCl and extraction with EtOAc.

    15. A compound as defined in claim 6, wherein the radionuclide is .sup.211At or .sup.131I.

    16. A method according to claim 13, wherein the reaction is carried out at a temperature range of from 50 to 70? C. and wherein water is added after cooling to room temperature followed by addition of HCl and extraction with EtOAc.

    Description

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

    [0056] FIG. 1 Scheme showing the principle of labelling tetrazines with .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At

    [0057] FIG. 2 Scheme showing labeling of Tz-1 as a model compound and table with optimization data

    [0058] FIG. 3 Scheme showing the ability of .sup.19F-tetrazines to block .sup.111In-DOTA-tetrazine (Q)

    [0059] FIG. 4 Structure of compound .sup.18F-UB108, .sup.18F-UB137 and .sup.111In-DOTA-tetrazine (Q)

    [0060] FIG. 5 Scheme showing the synthesis UB108 and UB137

    [0061] FIG. 6 Synthesis of the tin-precursor of UB108 and UB137 and radiolabeling of .sup.18F-UB108 and .sup.18F-UB137

    [0062] FIG. 7 NMR of UB108

    [0063] FIG. 7a NMR of UB108 precursor (UB161)

    [0064] FIG. 8 NMR of UB137

    [0065] FIG. 8a NMR of UB137 precursor (UB266)

    [0066] FIG. 9 HPLC of reference compound UB108 and radio-HPLC of purified .sup.18F-UB108.

    [0067] FIG. 10 HPLC of reference compound UB108 and radio-HPLC of purified .sup.18F-UB137.

    [0068] FIG. 11 UB-108 click-ability to a TCO derivative

    [0069] FIG. 11a UB-137 click-ability to a TCO derivative

    [0070] FIG. 12 PET scan and biodistribution of .sup.18F-UB108 one 1 h after injection of pretreated tumor bearing mice with TCO-CC49 three days before .sup.18F-UB108 injection

    [0071] FIG. 13 PET scan and biodistribution of .sup.18F-UB137 one 1 h after injection of pretreated tumor bearing mice with TCO-CC49 three days before .sup.18F-UB137 injection.

    [0072] FIG. 14 PET/CT scan of CC49-TCO pretargeted [.sup.18F]-UB108 in LS174T tumor xenograft bearing mice.

    [0073] FIG. 15 Structural scaffolds for the ligation with TCO, of Tz-derivatives.

    [0074] FIG. 16 Results from the blocking assay. (A) Schematic display of the blocking assay. (B) Blocking effect of non-radiolabeled Tz determined as the change in tumor uptake of [111 In]Q 22 h p.i., (C) and (D) Correlation of blocking effect and c log D.sub.7.4 for Tz-derivatives with similar IEDDA reactivity.

    [0075] FIG. 17 schematic view of the Cu-mediated click-radiolabeling for the synthesis of .sup.18F-labeled Tz-probes, the structure of the TZ-probes tested in example 140.

    [0076] FIG. 18 (A) Schematic display of the blocking assay, (B) tumor uptake (C) T/M ratio, (D) blocking effect, and (E) Pretargeted PET imaging in BALB/c nude mice bearing LS174T tumor xenografts with six .sup.18F-labeled Tz-derivatives.

    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

    [0077] The present invention provides tetrazine compounds labelled with a .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At radionuclide and having one or more polar groups that provide a H-tetrazine compound with a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3. This lipophilicity is needed to obtain reasonable tumor accumulation (normalized blocking effect >70), in standardly applied tumor models for pretargeted strategies. The lipophilicity of a compound can be found by use of a software for calculating the lipophilicity based on the chemical composition and structure of the compound. Even though the lipophilicity should approximately be the same for a given compound regardless of the method used for determining the lipophilicity, deviations may occur between methods. In the context of the present invention, the lipophilicity value c log D at physiological pH (7.4) were calculated using the software Chemicalize, 2019, from ChemAxon.

    [0078] A simple, scalable and reliable direct labeling method for labeling tetrazines with the .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At is also provided together with tin- or boronic species precursors or silyl, iodonium or ylide precursors, especially for .sup.211At labeling. The tetrazine compounds of the invention are shown to be suitable for use in biorthogonal chemistry including imaging-based diagnostics, such as PET and SPECT and in radionuclide therapy. Due to the high polarity of the tetrazine compounds disclosed herein, the tetrazine compounds cannot penetrate cell membranes and are thus particularly suitable for pretargeted strategies of non-internalizing pretargeting vectors. The tetrazine compounds of the invention display characteristics in mice that qualifies their use in one or more of PET imaging, SPECT imaging and radionuclide therapy in humans.

    [0079] The H-tetrazine compounds labelled with a .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At radionuclide and having one or more polar groups that provide the tetrazine compound with a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?0.5. The compounds as disclosed herein were prepared from tin- and boronic precursors or silyl, iodonium or ylide precursors and utilized to label tetrazines with .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At. The principle of the labelling is shown in FIG. 1.

    [0080] In the context of the present invention, an H-tetrazine is defined as:

    ##STR00010## [0081] wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is a radionuclide selected from .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At; and [0082] wherein one or more R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is a group providing a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3 to the compound of Formula I; and wherein the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are H; and R.sub.6 H.

    [0083] The H in H-tetrazine refers to the H at position R6 in formula I.

    [0084] It was found that compounds of formula I having a high polarity as determined by their lipophilicity value c log D.sub.7.4 (FIG. 3) provide high blocking effects in tumor blocking assays (FIG. 3). These compounds have rate constants of approximately 50,000-90,000 M.sup.?1 s.sup.?1 (determined with standard TCO at 37? C. in PBS).

    [0085] Tz 1 (FIG. 2) was selected as a model compound for .sup.18F-labeling, due its easy accessibility and good stability against hard bases. Precursors and reference compounds were synthesized as described in Examples 1 to 7. It was found that commonly used .sup.18F-labeling strategies resulted in decomposition products. On the contrary, for the Cu-mediated radionuclide reaction through the stannate precursor (FIG. 2), labeling attempts resulted in a radiochemical conversion (RCC) of approximately 20%. In a next step, we optimized the RCC of the Cu-mediated radionuclide. Parameters such as temperature, time and base amount were screened and led to a further RCC increase of circa 10% (FIG. 2).

    [0086] It was then studied if the identified labeling conditions could be applied to more reactive Tzs. In this respect, Tzs with stepwise increased reactivity were chosen and tested to investigate the product scope of the suggested labeling procedure. Precursors and reference were synthesized using known procedures .sup.[35-38] and radiolabeling was conducted using the best conditions identified for our model compound. Moderate RCCs (10-30%) as well as sufficient decay-corrected (d.c.) RCYs (10-24%) could be isolated at the end of synthesis (EOS) for methyl-, phenyl- and H-Tzs. The automated synthesis including [.sup.18F]fluoride collection, azeotropic drying, labeling and HPLC separation was carried out within 90 minutes (Example 9). Radiochemical purity (RCP) and molar activity (Am) were good and within the area that we usually observe for other tracers. A typical activity yield was 215 MBq starting from 1.60 GBq fluoride-18. As expected, high reactive Tz resulted in the lowest RCY. However, observed RCYs are in the range of many clinically applied PET tracers. Table 1, annexed to this description, displays the found trend.

    [0087] To study the effect of different substituents, [.sup.18F]-9 (FIG. 4) was selected for further analysis since it displayed the highest reaction rate, which is one of the most crucial factors for pretargeted in vivo applications. In this respect, the substitution pattern was correlated with its synthetic accessibility and RCCs (as a predictor for RCYs). Necessary iodine Tz intermediates were obtained from the corresponding nitriles. 6-substituted stannate analogues could only be synthesized as methyl or methoxy derivatives. Similar stannate precursor formation at the 4-position succeeded only for the methoxy analogue. Both observations can most likely be explained by steric hindrance effects..sup.[24-26] As such, a 3,5-disubstitution pattern is best suited for oxidative .sup.18F-florination.

    [0088] It is demonstrated herein that success of pretargeted imaging is strongly dependent on the polarity and the rate constant of the applied Tz (FIG. 3). Low polarity (a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3) and rate constants between 50,000-90,000 M.sup.?1s.sup.?1 measured in PBS and using TCO resulted in target-to-background ratios (FIG. 3). In this respect, we designed two highly reactive Tzs, which allowed .sup.18F-labeling and respective introduction of polar groups (FIG. 4-8). UB137 and UB108 were synthesized in sufficient yields via a Pinner-like synthesis as described in Example 97 and 106 and their ability to be used in pretargeted imaging were evaluated. The results were compared with the performance of compounds UB-65 and RGV-52 (FIG. 3). Efficiency in vivo was tested in an ex vivo screening assay lately published by our group and is inspired by traditional receptor blocking studies. In short, tumour-bearing mice are injected with a validated TCO-modified pretargeting vector 72 h before a test .sup.19F-Tz is administered. Subsequently after 2 hours, a pretargeted established .sup.111In-DOTA-Tz (Q)[6] is administered to the same mouse. An ex vivo biodistribution study is subsequently conducted 22 h later. In this manner, the blocking ability of the cold .sup.19F-Tz can be evaluated. Higher blocking capacity is correlated with better in vivo imaging performance of the respective Tz.

    [0089] Polar Tz's, UB108 and UB137 resulted in the best blocking effect (FIG. 3) and was as such selected for further development. The in vitro stability of UB108 and UB137 was assessed by analytical HPLC in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), Example 13 for UB108. UB108 and UB137 did not show degradation in PBS after 12 h at 37? C. Consequently, the organotin precursors were synthesized with an unoptimized synthetic strategy (FIG. 6, Examples 101 and 110). Radiolabeling succeeded in a one-pot, two step sequence with a RCY (d.c.) of approx. 10% and an overall synthesis time of ca. 90 minutes including synthesis, separation and formulation steps. An activity yield of 636 MBq starting from 11 GBq fluoride-18, and RCP of 98% at EOS was observed (FIGS. 6 and 11). UB137 could be labeled with similar results (FIGS. 6 and 7). The tetrazine ligation of .sup.18F-UB108 with s-TCO occurred rapidly, forming ligation products after click reaction (FIG. 11). Stability evaluation was completed for the formulated compound .sup.18F-UB108 in PBS at room temperature. These results showed no significant decomposition after 4 h post-injection and importantly maintained their reactivity with TCO at all the time points tested (96% recovery). UB137 could be labeled with similar results.

    [0090] To test the tetrazine ligation in living animals, we administered CC49-TCO to mice bearing colon cancer xenografts overexpressing TAG72, followed by the injection of .sup.18F-UB108 or .sup.18F-UB137 two days later. We selected the TAG72 antigen as it is overexpressed in a wide range of solid tumours, including, colorectal cancer and its limited internalization and as CC49 binds to the target and is not internalized afterwards. This pretargeting model is considered as the Gold standard..sup.[15, 39] FIGS. 12 and 13 displays the gained image 1 h after .sup.18F-UB108 or .sup.18F-UB137 administration. The contrast is thus far the highest observed of all tetrazines after 1 h.

    [0091] We further describe the a pretargeted blocking assay that allows for the investigation of the in vivo fate of a structurally diverse library of 45 unlabeled tetrazines and their capability to reach and react with pretargeted trans-cyclooctene (TCO)-modified antibodies in tumor-bearing mice (cf. example 140). This study enables the assessment of the correlation of click reactivity and lipophilicity of tetrazines with their in vivo performance. High-rate constants (>50,000 M.sup.?1s.sup.?1) for the reaction with TCO and low calculated log D.sub.7.4 values (below ?3) of the tetrazine were identified as strong indicators for successful pretargeting. Radiolabeling gave access to a set of selected .sup.18F-labeled tetrazines, including highly reactive scaffolds, which were used in pretargeted PET imaging studies to confirm the results from the blocking study. These insights thus enable the rational design of tetrazine probes for in vivo application and will thereby assist the clinical translation of bioorthogonal pretargeting.

    [0092] In conclusion, this work showed the first .sup.18F-direct labeling strategy of highly reactive and polar Tzs, starting from organotin precursors via a Cu-mediated approach. This strategy allows us to synthesize and radiolabel two promising .sup.18F-Tz, [.sup.18F]-UB108 and [.sup.18F]-UB137, as a tetrazine ligation based radiotracer for pretargeted in vivo imaging. The developed procedure is simple, short, reproducible as well as scalable and as such, superior to previously used .sup.18F-multistep labeling strategies with regard to clinical applications. The compounds surprisingly result in very good target-to-background ratios already 1 h after injection unreached with any other tetrazines thus far. Based on the shown correlation between low calculated log D.sub.7.4 values (below ?3) of the tetrazine and the applicability in successful pretargeting, the applicability of the herein provided tetrazines in vivo is proven.

    [0093] The invention accordingly comprises the following items:

    [0094] 1. A H-tetrazine compound, having the following formula I:

    ##STR00011## [0095] wherein R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are independently selected from: a radionuclide selected from .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At; one or more group(s) providing a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3 to the compound of Formula I independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2).sub.1-5OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, (C1-C10) alkyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, (C1-C10)alkylene, (C1-C10)alkoxy, (C2-C10)dialkylamino, (C1-C10)alkylthio, (C2-C10)heteroalkyl, (C2-C10)heteroalkylene, (C3-C10)cycloalkyl, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkyl, (C3-C10)cycloalkylene, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkylene, (C1-C10)haloalkyl, (C1-C10)perhaloalkyl, (C2-C10)-alkenyloxy, (C3-C10)-alkynyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylalkyloxy, (C1-C6)alkyloxy-(C1-C4)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)1-5-OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine; and wherein R6 is H; [0096] wherein one of R1-R5 is a radionuclide and one or more of the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is a/are group(s) providing a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3, and any R.sub.1-R.sub.5 remaining thereafter is/are H.

    [0097] 2. A compound according to item 1, wherein said one or more group(s) providing a lipophilicity of c log D7.4<?3 to the compound of Formula I; provides a lipophilicity of c log D7.4<?3 such as c log D7.4<?6.

    [0098] 3. A compound according to any of the preceding items, wherein said one or more group(s) providing a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3 to the compound of Formula I is selected from: OH, NR.sub.7R.sub.8, CH.sub.2N(CH.sub.2COOH).sub.2, CH.sub.2NHCH.sub.2COOH, CH.sub.2NRCH.sub.2COOH, CONR.sub.7R.sub.8, SO.sub.3H, SO.sub.2NH.sub.2, and SO.sub.2NH, wherein R is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2COOH, R.sub.7 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2COOH; and R.sub.8 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2COOH.

    [0099] 4. A compound according to any of the preceding items, wherein said radionuclide is situated at position R.sub.4 in formula I.

    [0100] 5. A compound according to items 1 to 3, wherein said group providing lipophilicity of c log D7.4<?3 is selected from CH.sub.2N(CH.sub.2COOH).sub.2, CH.sub.2NHCH.sub.2COOH, CH.sub.2NRCH.sub.2COOH, wherein R is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.2COOH, and is situated at position R.sub.2 or R.sub.4 in formula I; and wherein said radionuclide is situated at the other position R.sub.2 or R.sub.4 in Formula I.

    [0101] 6. A compound according to any of the preceding items, wherein said group providing a lipophilicity of c log D7.4<?3 to the compound of Formula I is selected from the polar groups (PG):

    ##STR00012##

    wherein X is CO(CH.sub.2)n, SO.sub.2(CH.sub.2)n, (CH.sub.2)n or (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)n and n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and wherein Y is (CH.sub.2)n, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)n or CO(CH.sub.2)n and n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and wherein R is (CH.sub.2)nCH.sub.3, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)nOH, CO(CH.sub.2)nCOOH, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)nOCH.sub.2COOH and n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and wherein the curly sign indicates the link to the aromatic ring.

    [0102] 7. A compound according to item 1 selected from:

    ##STR00013##

    wherein X is selected from .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I, or .sup.211At, and R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is independently selected from H, (CH.sub.2)nCH.sub.3, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)nOH, CO(CH.sub.2)nCOOH, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)nOCH.sub.2COOH and n=0, 1, 2 or 3.

    [0103] 8. A tetrazine according to item 1 selected from:

    ##STR00014##

    wherein X is selected from .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.131I or .sup.211At.

    [0104] 9. A tetrazine precursor having the following formula II:

    ##STR00015##

    wherein one of R1-R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of: SnR.sub.3, B(OR).sub.2, I+-Ar, I double-bonded to R or SiR.sub.3, wherein R is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, cyclic C1-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with OH, NH.sub.2 or halogen; at least one of the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are selected from one or more group(s) consisting of substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)1-5-OCH.sub.2COOH, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine (C1-C10) alkyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, (C1-C10)alkylene, (C1-C10)alkoxy, (C2-C10)dialkylamino, (C1-C10)alkylthio, (C2-C10)heteroalkyl, (C2-C10)heteroalkylene, (C3-C10)cycloalkyl, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkyl, (C3-C10)cycloalkylene, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkylene, (C1-C10)haloalkyl, (C1-C10)perhaloalkyl, (C2-C10)-alkenyloxy, (C3-C10)-alkynyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylalkyloxy, (C1-C6)alkyloxy-(C1-C4)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, an hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)1-5-OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, or H; and wherein R6 is a H.

    [0105] 10. A tetrazine precursor according to item 9, wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is selected from SnR.sub.3 or B(OR).sub.2.

    [0106] 11. A tetrazine precursor according to item 9, wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is selected from SnR.sub.3 or SiR.sub.3 wherein R is a linear methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl and all R's are the same.

    [0107] 12. A tetrazine precursor according to items 9 or 11, wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is SiR.sub.3 and wherein the radionuclide in the final compound of formula I provided by this precursor is .sup.211At.

    [0108] 13. A tetrazine precursor according to item 9, wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 is I+-Ar, I double-bonded to R, and wherein the radionuclide in the final compound of formula I provided by this precursor is .sup.18F.

    [0109] 14. A tetrazine precursor according to any of items 9 to 13 wherein said group selected from SnR.sub.3, B(OR).sub.2, I+-Ar, I double-bonded to R or SiR.sub.3, is situated at position R.sub.4 in Formula II.

    [0110] 15. A tetrazine precursor according to item 9 selected from:

    ##STR00016##

    wherein the protective group R is selected from butyl groups, methylthiomethyl (MTM) groups, tetrahydropyranyl (THP) groups or benzyloxymethyl (BOM) esters, and R1 is selected from a Boc group, trityl group, acetamide, carbamate group, (CH.sub.2)nCH.sub.3, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)nOH, CO(CH.sub.2)nCOOtBu, (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O)nCH.sub.2CO(CH.sub.2)nCOOtBu wherein n=0, 1, 2 or 3.

    [0111] 16. A tetrazine precursor according to item 9 selected from:

    ##STR00017##

    wherein R is selected from a Boc group, trityl group, acetamide, carbamate group, (CH.sub.2)nCH.sub.3, (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)nOH, CO(CH.sub.2)nCOOtBu, or (CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O)nCH.sub.2CO(CH.sub.2)nCOOtBu wherein n=0, 1, 2 or 3.

    [0112] 17. A compound as defined in any of items 1-8 for use in bioorthogonal chemistry.

    [0113] 18. A compound as defined in any of items 1-8 for use in diagnostics.

    [0114] 19. A compound according to item 18, wherein said diagnostics is cancer diagnostics

    [0115] 20. A compound as defined in any of items 1-8 wherein the radionuclide is .sup.18F or .sup.124I use in PET imagining.

    [0116] 21. A compound as defined in any of items 1-8 wherein the radionuclide is .sup.123I for use in SPECT imagining.

    [0117] 22. A compound for use as defined in any of items 20-21, wherein the imaging is of cancer tissue

    [0118] 23. A compound as defined in any of items 1-8 wherein the radionuclide is .sup.211At or .sup.131I for use in radionuclide therapy.

    [0119] 24. A compound for use as defined in item 23, wherein the radionuclide therapy is of a cancer disease.

    [0120] 25. A compound for use as defined in item 24, wherein the radionuclide therapy is applied to target vectors which do not internalize, such as pathogen targets and/or cells infected with pathogens.

    [0121] 26. A compound for use as defined in any of items 17-25, wherein the compound does not penetrate cell membranes.

    [0122] 27. A method comprising reacting

    ##STR00018##

    wherein on of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of: SnR.sub.3, B(OR).sub.2, I+-Ar, I double-bonded to R or SiR.sub.3, wherein R is a linear or branched C1-C6 alkyl, cyclic C1-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with OH, NH.sub.2 or halogen; and the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)1-5OCH2-COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine (C1-C10) alkyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, (C1-C10)alkylene, (C1-C10)alkoxy, (C2-C10)dialkylamino, (C1-C10)alkylthio, (C2-C10)heteroalkyl, (C2-C10)heteroalkylene, (C3-C10)cycloalkyl, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkyl, (C3-C10)cycloalkylene, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkylene, (C1-C10)haloalkyl, (C1-C10)perhaloalkyl, (C2-C10)-alkenyloxy, (C3-C10)-alkynyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylalkyloxy, (C1-C6)alkyloxy-(C1-C4)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, an hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, an substituted amine; with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)1-5-OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, or H; and wherein R.sub.6 is a H.

    [0123] 28. A method according to item 27 comprising reacting

    ##STR00019##

    wherein one of R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are independently selected from I or F and the remaining R.sub.1-R.sub.5 are selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)1-5-OCH2-COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, (C1-C10) alkyl, (C2-C10)alkenyl, (C2-C10)alkynyl, (C1-C10)alkylene, (C1-C10)alkoxy, (C2-C10)dialkylamino, (C1-C10)alkylthio, (C2-C10)heteroalkyl, (C2-C10)heteroalkylene, (C3-C10)cycloalkyl, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkyl, (C3-C10)cycloalkylene, (C3-C10)heterocycloalkylene, (C1-C10)haloalkyl, (C1-C10)perhaloalkyl, (C2-C10)-alkenyloxy, (C3-C10)-alkynyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, heteroaryloxy, heteroarylalkyloxy, (C1-C6)alkyloxy-(C1-C4)alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, an hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, a substituted amine with 1-5 polyethylene glycol unit(s), a (OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2)1-5-OCH.sub.2COOH, H, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, and optionally substituted arylalkyl; wherein optionally substituted in relation to said substituted amine means one or more substituents selected from a halogen, a hydroxy group, a sulfonamide, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyl group, amine, or H; and wherein R.sub.6 is a H.

    [0124] 29. A method according to item 27 or 28, wherein the reaction is carried out at a temperature range of from 50 to 70? C.

    [0125] 30. A method according to any of items 27 to 29, wherein water is added after cooling to room temperature followed by addition of HCl and extraction with EtOAc.

    EXAMPLES

    General Procedures

    General Procedure A. Synthesis of 3-substituted-6-substituted-1,2,4,5-tetrazine

    [0126] ##STR00020##

    [0127] The preparation of this intermediates, were performed using a method described previously..sup.[13] The selected aromatic halogenated nitrile (1 mmol, 1 equiv.), Zn(OTf).sub.2 (182 mg, 0.50 mmol, 0.5 equiv.) and hydrazine monohydrate (2.43 mL, 50 mmol, 50 equiv.), along with the appropriate second nitrile (5 mmol, 5 equiv.), were added to a microwave vial equipped with a stir bar and sealed. The reaction was allowed to stir at 60 ?C for 24 hours before being allowed to cool to room temperature and unsealed. NaNO.sub.2 (1.35 g, 20 mmol, 20 equiv.) in water (30 mL) was added to the now yellow mixture followed by dropwise addition of acetic acid (14 mL), producing a mixture red in colour. The mixture was then extracted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The tetrazine was then purified via automatic flash chromatography utilising in various mixtures as the eluent.

    General Procedure B. Synthesis of 3-substituted-6-substituted-1,2-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine

    [0128] ##STR00021##

    [0129] The preparation of this intermediates, was performed using a method described previously..sup.[15] The selected aromatic halogenated nitrile (1 mmol, 1 equiv.), sulfur (513 mg, 2.00 mmol, 2 equiv.), hydrazine monohydrate (804 uL, 16.5 mmol, 16.5 equiv.) and ethanol (2.0 mL), along with the appropriate second nitrile (4.5 mmol, 4.5 equiv.), were added to a microwave vial equipped with a stir bar and sealed. The reaction mixture was heated to 125? C. for 2 hours before being allowed to cool to room temperature, unsealed and dry under vacuum. The mixture was suspended in 10 ml water and extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (2?10 mL), washed with brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The tetrazine was then purified via automatic flash chromatography utilising in various mixtures as the eluent.

    General Procedure C. Synthesis of 3-substituted-6-H-1,2,4,5-tetrazine

    [0130] ##STR00022##

    [0131] The preparation of this intermediates, was performed using a method described previously..sup.[15] CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (0.256 mL, 4.00 mmol, 1 equiv.), sulfur (0.257 g, 1.00 mmol, 0.25 equiv.), hydrazine monohydrate (1.6 mL, 32.00 mmol, 8 equiv.) and ethanol (4.0 mL) along with the appropriate nitrile (4 mmol, 1 equiv.) were added to a microwave vial equipped with a stir bar. The vessel was sealed, and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours, before being allowed to cool to room temperature and unsealed. Then 3 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and NaNO.sub.2 (2.8 g, 40.00 mmol, 10 equiv.) in water (40 ml) were added to the now yellow mixture followed by dropwise addition of acetic acid (14 mL), producing a mixture red in colour. The reaction mixture was extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, washed with brine, dried with MgSO.sub.4 and filtered before concentrating in vacuo. The tetrazine was then purified via flash chromatography utilising n-Heptane and EtOAc in various mixtures as the eluent and recrystallized in n-Heptane.

    General Procedure D.1. Synthesis of Organotin Compounds

    [0132] ##STR00023##

    [0133] The preparation of these intermediates, was performed using a method described previously with minor modifications..sup.[14] Palladium acetate (4.5 mg, 12%) and 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,4,8-trioxa-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-6-phosphaadamantane (PA-Ph) (9.8 mg, 20%) dry THF (1.5 mL) and hexamethylditin (75 ?L, 137 mg, 0.42 mmol, 2.5 equiv.) were successively added to a microwave vial equipped with a stir bar which was then sealed and purged with N.sub.2. A solution of the appropriate iodo-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (0.17 mmol) in dry THF (1 mL) was added via a syringe and the reaction allowed to stir at 70? C. in a microwave for 45 minutes. The reaction was allowed to cool to room temperature and unsealed before being quenched with saturated aqueous KF (1 mL). The solution was extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 washed with brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The tetrazine was then purified via automatic flash chromatography utilising n-Heptane and EtOAc as the eluent.

    General Procedure D.2. Synthesis of Organotin Compounds

    [0134] ##STR00024##

    [0135] The preparation of these intermediates, was performed using a method described previously with minor modifications..sup.[14] Pd(PPh.sub.3).sub.4 (19.4 mg, 10%) and Hexamethylditin (87 ?L, 0.42 mmol, 2.5 equiv.) were successively added to a microwave vial equipped with a stir bar which was then sealed and purged with N.sub.2. A solution of the appropriate iodo-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (0.17 mmol) in dry THF (2.5 mL) was added via a syringe and the reaction allowed to stir at 65 ?C in a microwave for 3 hours. The reaction was allowed to cool to room temperature and unsealed before being quenched with saturated aqueous KF (1 mL). The solution was extracted with CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 washed with brine, dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The tetrazine was then purified via automatic flash chromatography utilising n-Heptane and EtOAc as eluent.

    Example 1

    [0136] ##STR00025##

    [0137] 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_48, Tz-1): The final compound was obtained from 4-fluorobenzonitrile (121 mg, 1.00 mmol) and acetonitrile (261 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.57 g (30%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.62 (dd, J=8.7, 5.4 Hz, 2H), 7.27 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 Hz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 167.2, 165.7 (d, J=254.1 Hz) 163.3, 130.2 (d, J=8.9 Hz), 127.9, 116.5 (d, J=21.9 Hz), 21.1; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.8FN.sub.4].sup.+: 191.07; Found: 191.20.

    Example 2

    [0138] ##STR00026##

    [0139] 3-(4-iodophenyl)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_5): The final compound was obtained from 4-iodobenzonitrile (229 mg, 1.00 mmol) and acetonitrile (261 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.85 g (39%) of a red solid. Rf=0.25 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.35-8.27 (m, 2H), 8.00-7.90 (m, 2H), 3.09 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.65, 163.92, 138.71, 131.44, 129.41, 100.33, 21.35.

    ##STR00027##

    [0140] 4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenol (RGV_59). The final compound was obtained from 4-hydroxybenzonitrile (120 mg, 1.00 mmol) and acetonitrile (261 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.32 g (20%) of a red solid. Rf=0.35 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 8.42 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 3.02 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, MeOD) ? 167.84, 165.19, 163.13, 130.73, 124.33, 117.13, 20.88; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.9ON.sub.4].sup.+: 189.08; Found: 189.40.

    Example 4

    [0141] ##STR00028##

    [0142] 6,10-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione. Malonic acid (2 g) and pTsOH H2o were added to a 25 mL flask and cooled to ?75 C. Ac2O (mL) was added dropwise and then cyclopentanone (mL) under stirring. The reaction was allowed to heat to room temperature overnight. Water was added to the reaction (10 mL) and it was cooled down, until the formation of a white precipitate was observed. The precipitate was then filtered and washed with water and cold EtOH. The white crystal powder was collected to yield 165 mg.

    Example 4a

    [0143] ##STR00029##

    [0144] 8-((4-(6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)-13-iodaneylidene)-6,10-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione (RGV_8). 3-(4-iodophenyl)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (15 mg, 0.05 mmol, 1 equiv) is dissolved CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1 mL/1 mmol) in a sealed tube before adding mCPBA (13.8 mg, 0.06 mmol, 1.2 equiv), the mixture is sealed and allowed to stir at room temperature for 3 hours. A solution of 6,10-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione (9.4 mg, 0.05 mmol, 1.1 equiv) in Na.sub.2CO.sub.3 10% (2.86 mL/mmol) is prepared and then added dropwise to the mixture in the sealed tube. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for additional 2 hours. To the reaction mixture 5 ml of water is added and is extracted by CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2, dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was submitted to combi flash from 100% CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 to CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/10% EtOH. All fractions containing compound were concentrated, dissolved in warm methanol and left to crystalized at 4? C., which afforded pink crystals (5.4 mg, 15%). Rf=(CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:EtOH (:1)); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 8.65 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 8.19 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 3.11 (s, 3H), 2.16 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 4H), 1.84 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 4H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 168.31, 164.35, 162.97, 138.73, 135.86, 133.86, 131.15, 117.80, 114.58, 37.60, 23.56, 21.46.

    Example 5

    [0145] ##STR00030##

    [0146] mesityl(4-(6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)iodonium (RGV_10)..sup.[20] In a sealed tube m-Chloroperbenzoic acid (11.3 mg, 0.05 mmol) and 3-(4-iodophenyl)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (10 mg, 0.03 mmol) were dissolved in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (1 mL/0.23 mmol) and stirred at r.t. during 3 hours. Mesitulene (5.1 ?L, 0.04 mmol) is added and the mixture is cooled to 0? C. followed by dropwise addition of TfOH (8.9 ?L, 0.10 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t during 10 minutes. The crude reaction was concentrated under vacuum. Diethyl ether was added and the mixture was stirred at r.t. during 20 minutes and then stored in the freezer during 1 hour for ensure complete precipitation, before filtered and washed with diethyl ether. The resulting solid was collected with methanol and dried under vacuum (12 mg, 71%). .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, MeOD) ? 8.57 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.07 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.64 (s, 6H), 2.31 (s, 3H).

    Example 6

    [0147] ##STR00031##

    [0148] 3-(4-trimethyltin)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_6). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.46 g (76%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.39 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.52 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 0.36 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.35, 164.55, 149.30, 136.77, 131.62, 126.81, 21.29, ?9.35; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.17SnN.sub.4].sup.+: 337.04; Found: 337.45.

    Example 7Radiolabeling of Tz-1

    [0149] The radiolabelling of Tz-1 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in FIG. 2. In the table in FIG. 2, the following conditions were applied: [a] Cu(OTf).sub.2, pyridine, [.sup.18F]KF, DMA, 100? C., 5 min.; [b] Cu(OTf).sub.2, pyridine, [.sup.18F]KF (50 ug K.sub.2CO.sub.3), DMA, 5 min.; [c] Cu(OTf).sub.2, pyridine, [.sup.18F]KF (50 ug K.sub.2CO.sub.3), DMA, 100? C. Radiochemical conversion (RCC) was determined by radio-HPLC (n=3). Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n=3).

    ##STR00032##

    [0150] 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_49, (W)): The final compound was obtained from 3-fluorobenzonitrile (120 mg, 1.00 mmol) and acetonitrile (261 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.80 g (42%) of a purple solid. Rf=0.28 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.49-8.35 (m, 1H), 8.35-8.22 (m, 1H), 7.67-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.28 (m, 1H), 3.11 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.79, 163.50 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 163.45 (d, J=247.1 Hz), 134.15 (d, J=8.3 Hz), 131.08 (d, J=8.0 Hz), 123.77 (d, J=3.1 Hz), 119.72 (d, J=21.3 Hz), 114.95 (d, J=24.0 Hz), 21.34; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.8FN.sub.4].sup.+: 191.07; Found: 191.47.

    Example 9

    [0151] ##STR00033##

    [0152] 3-(3-iodophenyl)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_50): The final compound was obtained from 3-iodobenzonitrile (229 mg, 1.00 mmol) and acetonitrile (261 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.88 g (29%) of a purple solid. Rf=0.26 (n-Heptane:EtOAc-8:1); 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.96 (t, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.57 (dt, J=7.9, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (ddd, J=7.9, 1.8, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 3.11 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.81, 163.12, 141.54, 136.84, 133.89, 130.99, 127.15, 94.95, 21.36.

    Example 9a

    [0153] ##STR00034##

    [0154] 3-(3-trimethyltin)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_51). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.32 g (65%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.38 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.78-8.62 (m, 1H), 8.51 (ddd, J=7.9, 2.0, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (dt, J=7.2, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (ddd, J=7.8, 7.1, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 3.10 (s, 3H), 0.37 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.31, 164.58, 144.07, 140.15, 135.25, 131.30, 128.78, 127.96, 21.29, ?9.26; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.17SnN.sub.4].sup.+: 337.04; Found: 337.38.

    Example 10Radiolabeling of RGV_49 (W)

    [0155] The radiolabelling of RGV_49 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 1 ([.sup.18F]W). In Table 1, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [a] Radiochemical conversion (RCC) and Radiochemical purity (RCP) were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3); [b] Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n=3); [c] Second order rate constants estimated from stopped-flow measurements of the alkyne-Tz building block with TCO at 25? C. in CAN; [d] No product formed or could not be isolated.

    Example 11

    [0156] ##STR00035##

    [0157] 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_72 (E)): The final compound was obtained from 4-fluorobenzonitrile (121 mg, 1.00 mmol) and benzonitrile (477 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The final compound was isolated by preparative TLC (60/30 Toluene/n-Heptane) to yield a pink solid. Rf=0.65 (Toluene:10% n-Heptane); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.72-8.67 (m, 2H), 8.67-8.62 (m, 2H), 7.69-7.59 (m, 3H), 7.31 (t, J=8.6 Hz, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 166.83, 164.25 (d, J=269.7 Hz), 164.11, 132.90, 131.86, 130.46 (d, J=9.0 Hz), 129.49, 128.19, 128.14, 116.75 (d, J=22.0 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.14H.sub.9FN.sub.4].sup.+: 253.09; Found: 253.0.

    Example 12

    [0158] ##STR00036##

    [0159] 3-(4-iodophenyl)-6-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_14): The final compound was obtained from 4-iodobenzonitrile (229 mg, 1.00 mmol) and benzonitrile (477 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 Toluene/n-Heptane) to yield 0.35 g (10%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.5 (Toluene:10% n-Heptane); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.68-8.63 (m, 2H), 8.40-8.35 (m, 2H), 8.00-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.59 (m, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 164.27, 163.80, 138.80, 133.00, 131.80, 131.45, 129.51, 129.43, 128.21, 100.51.

    Example 12a

    [0160] ##STR00037##

    [0161] 3-phenyl-6-(4-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_26). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.52 mg (95%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.48 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc). .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.70-8.63 (m, 2H), 8.63-8.53 (m, 2H), 7.85-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.57 (m, 3H), 0.37 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 164.47, 164.13, 149.66, 136.88, 132.80, 132.00, 131.62, 129.46, 128.11, 127.08, ?9.32; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.17H.sub.18N.sub.4Sn].sup.+: 399.06; Found: 399.1.

    Example 13Radiolabeling of RGV_72 (E)

    [0162] The radiolabelling of RGV_72 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 1 ([.sup.18F]E). In Table 1, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [a] Radiochemical conversion (RCC) and Radiochemical purity (RCP) were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3); [b] Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n=3); [c] Second order rate constants estimated from stopped-flow measurements of the alkyne-Tz building block with TCO at 25? C. in CAN; [d] No product formed or could not be isolated.

    Example 14

    [0163] ##STR00038##

    [0164] 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-6-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_71 (R)): The final compound was obtained from 3-fluorobenzonitrile (107 uL, 1.00 mmol) and benzonitrile (477 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The final compound was isolated by preparative TLC (60/30 Toluene/n-Heptane) to yield a pink solid. Rf=0.65 (Toluene:10% n-Heptane); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.64-8.58 (m, 2H), 8.40 (dt, J=7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.33-8.26 (m, 1H), 7.62-7.50 (m, 4H), 7.28 (tdd, J=8.3, 2.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 164.38, 163.50 (d, J=247.2 Hz), 163.40 (d, J=3.1 Hz), 134.17 (d, J=8.3 Hz), 133.07, 131.76, 131.16 (d, J=8.0 Hz), 129.53, 128.29, 123.84, 119.84 (d, J=21.4 Hz), 114.98 (d, J=24.0 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.14H.sub.9FN.sub.4].sup.+: 253.09; Found: 253.0.

    Example 15

    [0165] ##STR00039##

    [0166] 3-(3-iodophenyl)-6-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_15): The final compound was obtained from 3-iodobenzonitrile (229 mg, 1.00 mmol) and benzonitrile (477 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.50 g (14%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.5 (Toluene:10% n-Heptane); 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 9.02 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.65 (dd, J=8.0, 1.6 Hz, 2H), 8.62 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.66-7.57 (m, 3H), 7.35 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 164.35, 162.96, 141.60, 136.89, 133.89, 133.07, 131.72, 131.04, 129.52, 128.28, 127.15, 95.03.

    Example 16

    [0167] ##STR00040##

    [0168] 3-phenyl-6-(3-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_25). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.53 g (95%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.48 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.78 (dt, J=1.7, 0.7 Hz, 1H), 8.69-8.65 (m, 2H), 8.59 (ddd, J=7.9, 2.0, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 7.77 (dt, J=7.2, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.61 (m, 3H), 7.58 (ddd, J=7.8, 7.2, 0.6 Hz, 1H), 0.38 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 164.44, 164.06, 144.19, 140.31, 135.34, 132.82, 131.98, 131.28, 129.47, 128.87, 128.10, 128.01, ?9.24; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.17H.sub.18N.sub.4Sn].sup.+: 399.06; Found: 399.1.

    Example 17Radiolabeling of RGV_71 (R)

    [0169] The radiolabelling of RGV_71 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 1 ([.sup.18F]R). In Table 1, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [a] Radiochemical conversion (RCC) and Radiochemical purity (RCP) were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3); [b] Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n=3); [c] Second order rate constants estimated from stopped-flow measurements of the alkyne-Tz building block with TCO at 25? C. in CAN; [d] No product formed or could not be isolated.

    Example 18

    [0170] ##STR00041##

    [0171] 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_3, (T)): The final compound was obtained from 4-flourbenzonitrile (121 mg, 1.00 mmol) and 2-cyanopyridine (520 mg, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (50/50 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.40 g (16%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.5 (n-Heptane:50% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.92 (ddd, J=4.8, 1.8, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 8.69-8.63 (m, 2H), 8.63 (dt, J=7.8, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.95 (td, J=7.7, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (ddd, J=7.6, 4.8, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.28-7.19 (m, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.07, 164.57 (d, J=243.4 Hz), 163.51, 151.03, 150.32, 137.69, 130.97 (d, J=9.2 Hz), 127.93 (d, J=3.0 Hz), 126.55, 124.08, 116.82 (d, J=22.1 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.13H.sub.8FN.sub.5].sup.+: 254.08; Found: 254.0.

    Example 19

    [0172] ##STR00042##

    [0173] 3-(4-iodophenyl)-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_16): The final compound was obtained from 4-iodobenzonitrile (229 mg, 1.00 mmol) and 2-cyanopyridine (433 uL, 4.5 mmol) following the General Procedure B. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 Toluene/EtOAc) to yield 0.71 g (19%) of an orange solid. Rf=0.38 (Toluene/10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 9.31 (s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.63 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 1H), 8.00-7.86 (m, 2H), 7.85-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.61 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (ddd, J=6.9, 4.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 148.43, 147.14, 147.10, 138.15, 137.15, 129.79, 127.59, 125.29, 121.53, 97.03.

    Example 20

    [0174] ##STR00043##

    [0175] 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-6-(4-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_46). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The final compound autooxidised under reaction conditions. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (60/40 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 14 mg (49%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.31 (EtOAc:50% n-Heptane); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 9.00-8.94 (m, 1H), 8.69 (dt, J=7.9, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 8.64-8.60 (m, 2H), 8.00 (td, J=7.8, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.78-7.74 (m, 2H), 7.59-7.52 (m, 1H), 0.37 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 164.90, 163.61, 151.07, 150.53, 150.25, 137.57, 136.90, 131.37, 127.48, 126.43, 124.02, ?9.33; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.16H.sub.17N.sub.5Sn].sup.+: 400.06; Found: 400.1.

    Example 21Radiolabeling of RGV_3 (T)

    [0176] The radiolabelling of RGV_3 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 1 ([.sup.18F]T). In Table 1, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [a] Radiochemical conversion (RCC) and Radiochemical purity (RCP) were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3); [b] Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n=3); [c] Second order rate constants estimated from stopped-flow measurements of the alkyne-Tz building block with TCO at 25? C. in CAN; [d] No product formed or could not be isolated.

    Example 22

    [0177] ##STR00044##

    [0178] 3-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_61, (U)): The final compound was obtained from 5-fluoropicolinonitrile (122 mg, 1.00 mmol) and 2-cyanopyridine (520 uL, 5.00 mmol) following the General Procedure A. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (50/50 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.45 g (18%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.5 (n-Heptane:50% EtOAC); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.8FN.sub.6].sup.+: 255.08; Found: 255.0.

    ##STR00045##

    [0179] 3-(5-iodopyridin-2-yl)-6-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (CPO_5):.sup.[12] The final compound was obtained from 2-Cyano-5-iodopyridine (231 mg, 1.00 mmol) and 2-Cyanopyridine (433 uL, 4.5 mmol) following the General Procedure B. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.53 g (15%) of an orange solid. Rf=0.44 (n-Heptane:5% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.79 (dd, J=2.1, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 8.61-8.54 (m, 2H), 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.08-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.83 (dd, J=8.3, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (td, J=7.7, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (ddd, J=7.5, 4.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 154.62, 148.54, 147.50, 146.66, 146.55, 146.21, 145.15, 136.89, 125.09, 122.91, 121.46, 95.02.

    Example 24

    [0180] ##STR00046##

    [0181] 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-6-(5-(trimethylstannyl)pyridin-2-yl)-1,2-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (CPO_6). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (70/30 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.47 g (85%) of an orange solid. Rf=0.50 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.62-8.51 (m, 4H), 8.05 (dt, J=8.0, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (dd, J=7.7, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.84 (dd, J=7.7, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.75 (td, J=7.7, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (ddd, J=7.5, 4.9, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 0.36 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 154.24, 148.52, 147.74, 147.18, 147.10, 146.81, 144.22, 139.76, 136.82, 124.95, 121.41, 121.02, ?9.35.

    Example 25

    [0182] ##STR00047##

    [0183] 3-(pyridin-2-yl)-6-(5-(trimethylstannyl)pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_60). The 1,2-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine stannate was dissolved in dry CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and cooled to 0? C., followed by the portion wise addition of (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene (1.2 equiv.). The reaction was allowed to warm to r.t. and stirred for 3 h. The crude was purified using flash chromatography. HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.15H.sub.16N.sub.6Sn].sup.+: 401.05; Found: 401.1.

    Example 26Radiolabeling of RGV_61 (U)

    [0184] The radiolabelling of RGV_61 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 1 ([.sup.18F]U). In Table 1, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [a] Radiochemical conversion (RCC) and Radiochemical purity (RCP) were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3); [b] Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n=3); [c] Second order rate constants estimated from stopped-flow measurements of the alkyne-Tz building block with TCO at 25? C. in CAN; [d] No product formed or could not be isolated.

    Example 27

    [0185] ##STR00048##

    [0186] 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_55, (Y)): The final compound was obtained from 4-fluorobenzonitrile (242 mg, 4 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.12 g (34%) of a red solid. Rf=0.33 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.21 (s, 1H), 8.70-8.61 (m, 2H), 7.29 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.52 (d, J=255.2 Hz), 164.98, 161.85 (d, J=798.2 Hz), 130.85 (d, J=9.2 Hz), 127.94 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 116.81 (d, J=22.1 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.8H.sub.6FN.sub.4].sup.+: 177.06; Found: 177.34.

    Example 28

    [0187] ##STR00049##

    [0188] 3-(4-iodophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_56): The final compound was obtained from 4-iodobenzonitrile (458 mg, 4 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.16 mg (27%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.37 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.24 (s, 1H), 8.39-8.32 (m, 2H), 8.02-7.95 (m, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 166.36, 158.10, 138.90, 131.24, 129.75, 101.22.

    Example 29

    [0189] ##STR00050##

    [0190] 3-(4-trimethyltin)-6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_57). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.27 g (61%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.43 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.20 (s, 1H), 8.58-8.54 (m, 2H), 7.84-7.67 (m, 2H), 0.37 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.00, 157.96, 150.34, 136.90, 130.29, 127.35, ?9.33; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.11H.sub.15SnN.sub.4].sup.+: 323.04; Found: 323.38.

    Example 30Radiolabeling of RGV_55 (Y)

    [0191] The radiolabelling of RGV_55 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 1. In Table 1 ([.sup.18F]Y), the following letters in brackets defines the following: [a] Radiochemical conversion (RCC) and Radiochemical purity (RCP) were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3); [b] Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n=3); [c] Second order rate constants estimated from stopped-flow measurements of the alkyne-Tz building block with TCO at 25? C. in CAN; [d] No product formed or could not be isolated.

    Example 31

    [0192] ##STR00051##

    [0193] 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV-52.(9)): The final compound was obtained from 3-fluorobenzonitrile (242 mg, 4 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.12 g (34%) of a red solid. Rf=0.34 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.25 (s, 1H), 8.44 (dt, J=7.8, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.33 (ddd, J=9.7, 2.7, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.60 (td, J=8.1, 5.7 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (tdd, J=8.3, 2.7, 1.0 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 165.87 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 163.47 (d, J=247.6 Hz), 158.17, 133.91 (d, J=8.2 Hz), 131.23 (d, J=8.0 Hz), 124.18 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 120.35 (d, J=21.3 Hz), 115.32 (d, J=24.1 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.8H.sub.6FN.sub.4].sup.+: 177.05; Found: 177.54.

    Example 32

    [0194] ##STR00052##

    [0195] 3-(3-iodophenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_53): The final compound was obtained from 3-iodobenzonitrile (458 mg, 4 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.19 g (33%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.36 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.25 (s, 1H), 9.00 (t, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.60 (ddd, J=7.9, 1.7, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (ddd, J=7.9, 1.8, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 165.47, 158.17, 142.11, 137.21, 133.63, 131.08, 127.51, 95.02.

    Example 33

    [0196] ##STR00053##

    [0197] 3-(3-trimethyltin)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_54). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.28 g (58%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.30 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 Hz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.14 (s, 1H), 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.48 (s, J=7.9 Hz, 1H) 7.72 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H) 7.50 (t, J=7.9, 15.8 Hz, 1H) 0.30 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 166.83, 157.75, 144.16, 140.60, 135.48, 130.96, 128.74 128.17, ?9.38; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.11H.sub.15SnN.sub.4].sup.+: 323.04; Found: 323.38.

    Example 34Radiolabeling of RGV_52 (9)

    [0198] The radiolabelling of RGV_49 was provided as described Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 1 ([.sup.18F]9). In Table 1, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [a] Radiochemical conversion (RCC) and Radiochemical purity (RCP) were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3); [b] Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n=3); [c] Second order rate constants estimated from stopped-flow measurements of the alkyne-Tz building block with TCO at 25? C. in CAN; [d] No product formed or could not be isolated.

    Example 35

    [0199] ##STR00054##

    [0200] 3-(3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (UB-007). The final compound was obtained from 3-fluoro-4-methylbenzonitrile (0.54 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield after crystallization with n-Heptane 0.21 g (28%) of a red solid. Rf=0.4 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.21 (s, 1H), 8.33 (dd, J=8.0, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J=10.5, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 165.80, 161.82 (d, J=246.1 Hz), 157.83, 132.50 (d, J=8.3 Hz), 131.11 (d, J=8.3 Hz), 130.94 (d, J=17.4 Hz), 123.78 (d, J=3.5 Hz), 114.69 (d, J=25.1 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.8FN.sub.4].sup.+: 191.07; found 191.11.

    Example 36 Radiolabeling of UB-007

    [0201] The radiolabelling of UB007 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 2 annexed to this description. In Table 2, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [0202] [a] Stannate precursor could not be synthesized. [0203] [b] No tetrazine formation detected. [0204] [c] Decomposition during Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [0205] [d] RCCs were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3).

    ##STR00055##

    [0206] 3-(3-iodo-4-methylphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_100). The final compound was obtained from 3-iodo-4-methylbenzonitrile (972 mg, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) followed by recrystallization from n-Heptane afforded 0.21 g (18%) of a red solid. Rf=0.42 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.21 (s, 1H), 9.08 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d, J=9.7 Hz, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.56 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 165.24, 157.88, 147.21, 138.55, 130.72, 130.45, 127.85, 101.69, 28.46.

    ##STR00056##

    [0207] 3-(3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (UB-008). The final compound was obtained from 3-Fluoro-4-methoxylbenzonitrile (0.60 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) followed by recrystallization from n-Heptane afforded 0.24 g (29%) of a red solid. Rf=0.39 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.18 (s, 1H), 8.45 (ddd, J=8.6, 2.1, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.38 (dd, J=12.1, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (t, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 165.53, 157.51, 152.72 (d, J=247.7 Hz), 152.06 (d, J=10.7 Hz), 125.29 (d, J=3.6 Hz), 124.35 (d, J=7.2 Hz), 115.80 (d, J=20.8 Hz), 113.52 (d, J=2.2 Hz), 56.36; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.8FN.sub.4O].sup.+: 207.06; found 207.08.

    Example 38

    [0208] ##STR00057##

    [0209] 4-hydroxy-3-iodobenzonitrile. The preparation of this intermediates, was performed using a method described previously..sup.[16] To a solution of 4-hydroxybenzonitrile (4 g, 33.6 mmol) in 25% NH.sub.4OH (180 mL) was added a mixture of KI (27.31 g, 167.9 mmol), 12 (9.38 g, 36.9 mmol) in H.sub.2O (40 mL). The reaction was allowed to stir at r.t. for 20 hours, in which time the mixture colour gradually turned from black to a white thick suspension. The precipitate formed was filtered off and the filtrate concentrated. The residue was then dissolved in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and washed with H.sub.2O, saturated aqueous Na.sub.2S.sub.2O.sub.3 solution, and brine. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield the product 6.52 g (79%). .sup.1H NMR (400 Hz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.97 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.55 (dd, J=8.5, 1.95 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 5.87 (s, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (600 Hz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 158.72, 142.17, 134.28, 117.30, 116.31, 106.02, 85.48.

    ##STR00058##

    [0210] 3-iodo-4-methoxybenzonitrile. The preparation of this intermediate, was performed using a method described previously..sup.[17]4-Hydroxy-3-iodobenzonitrile (6.52 g, 26.6 mmol) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (11.03 g, 79.8 mmol) were suspended in acetone (130 mL) before (CH.sub.3).sub.2SO.sub.4 (5.03 g, 79.8 mmol) was added. Then the flask is fitted with a reflux condenser and the mixture was heated to 70? C. for 90 minutes after which the mixture became a pale yellow thick suspension. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was filtered, and the filter cake was washed with additional acetone. The solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator and the residue was suspended in water (250 mL) for 90 minutes. The precipitate was filtered off and dried overnight. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield the product 6.06 g (88%). .sup.1H NMR (400 Hz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.05 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (dd, J=8.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 6.85 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 3.95 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (600 Hz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 161.56, 142.81, 134.08, 117.55, 110.71, 105.94, 86.04, 56.72.

    Example 40

    [0211] ##STR00059##

    [0212] 3-(3-iodo-4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_106): The final compound was obtained from 3-iodo-4-methoxylbenzonitrile (1.03 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield after recrystallization with n-Heptane 0.26 g (20%) as a red solid. Rf=0.30 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.16 (s, 1H), 9.07 (s, 1H), 8.62 (dd, J=8.7, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.01 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 165.20, 162.20, 157.70, 139.67, 130.28, 125.84, 111.17, 86.92, 56.85.

    ##STR00060##

    [0213] 3-(4-methoxy-3-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_109). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.20 g (36%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.28 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 Hz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.67-8.65 (m, 2H), ? 8.59 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), ? 7.76 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), ? 8.67-8.65 (m, 3H), ? 0.37 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ?

    Example 42 of UB-008

    [0214] The radiolabelling of UB008 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [0215] [a] Stannate precursor could not be synthesized. [0216] [b] No tetrazine formation detected. [0217] [c] Decomposition during Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [0218] [d] RCCs were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3).

    Example 43

    [0219] ##STR00061##

    [0220] N-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)acetamide: The preparation of this intermediate, was performed using a method described previously..sup.[18] To a solution of 4-amino-3-fluorobenzonitrile (0.82 g, 6.00 mmol) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (30.0 mL) was added acetic anhydride (0.80 mL, 8.40 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The suspension was filtered, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography (70/30 n-Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 0.90 g of N-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)acetamide as a white solid. Rf=0.27 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.12 (s, 1H), 8.28 (t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (dd, J=11.1, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (dt, J=8.5, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 2.15 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 169.9, 152.05 (d, J=247.2 Hz), 132.10 (d, J=11.2 Hz), 129.82 (d, J=3.6 Hz), 123.31 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 119.77 (d, J=23.4 Hz), 118.36 (d, J=2.7 Hz), 106.18 (d, J=9.4 Hz), 24.3.

    Example 44

    [0221] ##STR00062##

    [0222] N-(2-Fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)acetamide (UB-148): The final compound was obtained from N-(4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)acetamide (0.71 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (60/40 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.37 g (40%) of UB-148 as a red solid. Rf=0.25 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.58 (s, 1H), 10.09 (s, 1H), 8.45-8.21 (m, 3H), 2.18 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 169.79, 164.91 (d, J=3.0 Hz), 158.44, 153.21 (d, J=246.0 Hz), 131.38 (d, J=11.3 Hz), 128.01 (d, J=7.9 Hz), 124.72 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 123.67, 114.75 (d, J=22.1 Hz), 24.3; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.10H.sub.9FN.sub.5O].sup.+: 234.08; found 234.10.

    Example 45

    [0223] ##STR00063##

    [0224] N-(4-cyano-2-iodophenyl)acetamide (RGV_136): The preparation of this intermediate, was performed using a method described previously..sup.[18] To a solution of the corresponding aniline (1.5 g, 6.00 mmol) in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (30.0 mL) was added acetic anhydride (0.85 mL, 9 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The suspension was filtered, and the solvent removed under vacuum. Purification by flash chromatography (70/30 n-Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 0.90 g (52%) of RGV_136 as a white solid. Rf=0.5 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 9.50 (s, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J=8.4, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 2.12 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, DMSO) ? 168.72, 144.08, 142.44, 132.41, 125.76, 117.29, 108.88, 94.41, 23.51.

    Example 46

    [0225] ##STR00064##

    [0226] N-(2-iodo-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)acetamide (RGV_144): The final compound was obtained from N-(4-cyano-2-iodophenyl)acetamide (1.14 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (60/40 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.29 g (21%) of RGV_144 as a pink solid. Rf=0.29 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.20 (s, 1H), 9.07 (s, 1H), 8.62 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 8.58 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 2.32 (s, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 168.57, 164.98, 157.88, 142.56, 138.78, 129.60, 128.51, 121.17, 25.27, 1.16.

    Example 47

    [0227] ##STR00065##

    [0228] 4-Cyano-2-fluorobenzamide (UB-20). To a solution of 4-cyano-2-fluorobenzoic acid (0.99 g, 6.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 ml) was added 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (1.46 g, 9.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes, before addition of aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution (35%, 20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 minutes and ice-cold water (15 ml) was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the 0.78 g (79%) of UB-20 as a white solid. Rf=0.25 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 8.02-7.91 (m, 2H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.80-7.74 (m, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 164.56, 158.89 (d, J=251.4 Hz), 131.56 (d, J=4.0 Hz), 129.60 (d, J=15.7 Hz), 129.16 (d, J=4.0 Hz), 120.79 (d, J=26.7 Hz), 117.68 (d, J=2.8 Hz), 114.58 (d, J=10.0 Hz).

    Example 48

    [0229] ##STR00066##

    [0230] 2-Fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzamide (UB-22). The final compound was obtained from 4-cyano-2-fluorobenzamide (0.78 g, 4.75 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to yield 0.21 g (20%) of UB22 as a red solid. Rf=0.30 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.68 (s, 1H), 8.39 (dd, J=8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J=11.1, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.93 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 165.07, 164.84 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 159.91 (d, J=250.1 Hz), 158.83, 136.15 (d, J=8.5 Hz), 131.81 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 128.25 (d, J=15.2 Hz), 124.16 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 115.57 (d, J=25.4 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.7FN.sub.5O].sup.+: 220.06; found 226.07.

    Example 49

    [0231] ##STR00067##

    [0232] 4-Cyano-2-iodobenzamide (UB-282). To a solution of 4-cyano-2-iodobenzoic acid (1.00 g, 3.66 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 ml) was added 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (0.89 g, 5.49 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes, before addition of aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution (35%, 20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 minutes and ice-cold water (15 ml) was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the 0.89 g (89%) of UB-282 as a white solid. Rf=0.23 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 8.37 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.91 (dd, J=7.9, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 170.11, 148.12, 142.53, 132.32, 128.42, 117.40, 113.37, 94.10.

    Example 50

    [0233] ##STR00068##

    [0234] 2-Iodo-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzamide (UB-283). The final compound was obtained from 4-cyano-2-iodobenzamide (0.50 g, 1.83 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to yield 0.25 g (41%) of UB-283 as a red solid. Rf=0.32 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.66 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (dd, J=8.0, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 170.57, 164.55, 158.77, 147.21, 138.45, 134.16, 128.99, 127.70, 94.43.

    Example 51

    [0235] ##STR00069##

    [0236] 4-Cyano-2-fluoro-N-methylbenzamide (UB-198). To a solution of 4-cyano-2-fluorobenzoic acid (0.99 g, 6.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 ml) was added 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (1.46 g, 9.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes, before addition of aqueous methylamine solution (40%, 20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 minutes and ice cold water (15 ml) was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the 0.86 g (80%) of UB-198 as a white solid. Rf=0.29 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 8.50 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 1H), 8.02-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.81-7.71 (m, 2H), 2.79 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 163.25, 158.82 (d, J=251.2 Hz), 131.56 (d, J=3.8 Hz), 129.54 (d, J=15.6 Hz), 129.23 (d, J=3.9 Hz), 120.78 (d, J=26.6 Hz), 117.67 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 114.55 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 26.69.

    ##STR00070##

    [0237] 2-Fluoro-N-methyl-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzamide (UB-204). The final compound was obtained from 4-cyano-2-fluoro-N-methylbenzamide (0.77 g, 4.32 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to yield 0.36 g (36%) of UB-204 as a red solid. Rf=0.35 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.68 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d, J=5.3 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (dd, J=8.1, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J=11.1, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 164.83 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 163.79, 159.81 (d, J=249.8 Hz), 158.82, 136.08 (d, J=8.5 Hz), 131.76 (d, J=3.5 Hz), 128.25 (d, J=15.4 Hz), 124.23 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 115.57 (d, J=25.4 Hz), 26.75; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.10H.sub.9FN.sub.5O].sup.+: 234.08; found 234.10.

    Example 53

    [0238] ##STR00071##

    [0239] 4-Cyano-2-iodo-N-methylbenzamide (UB-306). To a solution of 4-cyano-2-iodobenzoic acid (1.00 g, 3.66 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 ml) was added 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (0.89 g, 5.49 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes, before addition of aqueous methylamine solution (40%, 20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 minutes and ice-cold water (15 ml) was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the 0.85 g (81%) of UB-306 as a white solid. Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 8.44 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (dd, J=7.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 2.76 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 168.77, 148.09, 142.44, 132.36, 128.67, 117.37, 113.50, 94.63, 26.41.

    ##STR00072##

    [0240] 2-Iodo-N-methyl-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzamide (UB-318). The final compound was obtained from 4-cyano-2-iodo-N-methylbenzamide (0.60 g, 2.09 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to yield 0.25 g (35%) of UB-318 as a red solid. Rf=0.20 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.66 (s, 1H), 8.89 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.57-8.44 (m, 2H), 7.60 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 2.81 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 169.20, 164.54, 158.77, 147.24, 138.33, 134.27, 129.20, 127.73, 94.92, 26.47.

    Example 55

    [0241] ##STR00073##

    [0242] 3-(3-fluoro-5-methylphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (UB-052). The final compound was obtained from 3-Fluoro-5-methylbenzonitrile (0.54 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.26 g (34%) of a red oil. Rf=0.39 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.16 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=9.2 Hz, 1H), 2.43 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 165.83 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 163.30 (d, J=246.8 Hz), 157.95, 141.81 (d, J=7.7 Hz), 133.31 (d, J=8.9 Hz), 124.67 (d, J=2.7 Hz), 120.79 (d, J=21.2 Hz), 112.29 (d, J=24.3 Hz), 21.45 (d, J=1.8 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.8FN.sub.4].sup.+: 191.07; found 191.08.

    Example 56

    [0243] ##STR00074##

    [0244] 3-(3-iodo-5-methylphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_114). The final compound was obtained from 3-iodo-5-methylbenzonitrile (0.97 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield after recrystallization with n-Heptane 0.27 g (22%) as a red solid. Rf=0.45 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.22 (s, 1H), 8.83-8.67 (m, 1H), 8.44-8.28 (m, 1H), 7.87-7.74 (m, 1H), 2.43 (s, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 165.49, 158.09, 142.71, 141.41, 134.34, 133.30, 128.22, 94.99, 21.21.

    Example 57

    [0245] ##STR00075##

    [0246] 3-(3-methyl-5-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_123). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.2. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.25 g (27%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.34 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.20 (s, 1H), 8.65-8.50 (m, 1H), 8.48-8.33 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.43 (m, 1H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 0.36 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 167.05, 157.86, 144.08, 141.58, 138.56, 132.79, 131.00, 128.91, 21.58, ?9.25; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.16N.sub.4Sn].sup.+: 337.05; Found: 337.1.

    Example 58 of UB-052

    [0247] The radiolabelling of UB-052 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [0248] [a] Stannate precursor could not be synthesized. [0249] [b] No tetrazine formation detected. [0250] [c] Decomposition during Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [0251] [d] RCCs were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3).

    ##STR00076##

    [0252] 3-(3-fluoro-5-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (UB-048). The final compound was obtained from 3-fluoro-5-methoxylbenzonitrile (0.60 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (85/15 n-Heptane/EtOAc) and recrystallized from n-Heptane to 0.21 g (26%) of UB-48 as a red solid. Rf=0.41 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.17 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (ddd, J=9.1, 2.4, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (dd, J=10.1, 2.4 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 165.63 (d, J=3.9 Hz), 164.07 (d, J=246.5 Hz), 161.75 (d, J=11.4 Hz), 158.02, 133.96 (d, J=10.7 Hz), 108.96 (d, J=2.8 Hz), 107.73 (d, J=24.7 Hz), 106.98 (d, J=24.9 Hz), 55.96; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.8FN.sub.4O].sup.+: 207.07; found 207.05.

    Example 60

    [0253] ##STR00077##

    [0254] 3-Iodo-5-methoxybenzonitrile (UB-224). Concentrated. HCl (3 mL) was added to a solution of aniline (1.00 g, 6.75 mmol) in water (3 mL) at 0? C. To this was added a chilled solution of sodium nitrite (0.84 g, 12.15 mmol) in water (4 mL), dropwise, with vigorous mechanical stirring. Stirring was continued at 0? C. for 15 min. after the addition was complete, and then a solution of potassium iodide (2.24 g, 13.50 mmol) in water (4 mL) was added carefully. The cooling bath was removed, and the reaction heated to reflux. When the production of purple vapor ceased, the mixture was cooled to rt and extracted with DCM (3?20 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO.sub.4), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography (90/10 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 0.60 g (34%) of UB-224 as a white solid. Rf=0.34 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.48 (t, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (dd, J=2.4, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.04 (dd, J=2.4, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 3.75 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 159.92, 132.68, 128.19, 116.85, 114.60, 94.14, 55.83.

    ##STR00078##

    [0255] 3-(3-Iodo-5-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (UB-225). The final compound was obtained from 3-iodo-5-methoxylbenzonitrile (0.52 g, 2.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (85/15 n-Heptane/EtOAc) and recrystallized from n-Heptane 0.19 g (30%) of UB-225 as a red solid. Rf=0.25 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); 1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.17 (s, 1H), 8.49 (t, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.03 (dd, J=2.4, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (dd, J=2.5, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 165.13, 160.72, 158.02, 134.10, 129.53, 128.40, 112.47, 94.96, 55.80.

    Example 62

    [0256] ##STR00079##

    [0257] 3-(3-methoxy-5-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (UB-229). The final compound was obtained from 55 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.2. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.040 g (65%) of UB-229 as a purple solid. Rf=0.41 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.21 (s, 1H), 8.35 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.07 (dd, J=2.7, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (d, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 0.37 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz,

    Example 63 of UB-048

    [0258] The radiolabelling of UB-048 was provided as described in the Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [0259] [a] Stannate precursor could not be synthesized. [0260] [b] No tetrazine formation detected. [0261] [c] Decomposition during Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [0262] [d] RCCs were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3).

    Example 64

    [0263] ##STR00080##

    [0264] N-(5-Cyano-3-fluorophenyl)acetamide (UB-149). To a solution of 3-amino-5-fluorobenzonitrile (0.82 g, 6.00 mmol) in DCM (30.0 mL) was added acetic anhydride (0.80 mL, 8.40 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The suspension was filtered, and the solvent removed under vacuum. Purification by flash chromatography (70/30 n-Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 0.92 g of N-(5-cyano-3-fluorophenyl)acetamide as a white solid. Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.45 (s, 1H), 7.86-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.37 (m, 1H), 2.09 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 169.69, 162.24 (d, J=244.3 Hz), 142.35 (d, J=11.8 Hz), 118.65, 118.09 (d, J=3.6 Hz), 113.70 (d, J=25.5 Hz), 113.25 (d, J=12.1 Hz), 110.95 (d, J=26.2 Hz), 24.52.

    Example 65

    [0265] ##STR00081##

    [0266] N-(3-Fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)acetamide (UB-150). The final compound was obtained from N-(5-cyano-3-fluorophenyl)acetamide (0.58 g, 3.25 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (60/40 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.19 g (25%) of a red solid. Rf=0.25 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.64 (s, 1H), 10.48 (s, 1H), 8.52 (t, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.98-7.81 (m, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 169.54, 165.03 (d, J=3.8 Hz), 163.08 (d, J=242.2 Hz), 158.83, 142.45 (d, J=11.5 Hz), 134.61 (d, J=10.1 Hz), 114.40 (d, J=2.6 Hz), 109.87 (d, J=26.6 Hz), 108.74 (d, J=24.4 Hz), 24.58; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.10H.sub.9FN.sub.5O].sup.+: 234.08; found 234.10.

    ##STR00082##

    [0267] 3-Amino-5-iodobenzonitrile (UB-210). To a solution of 3-iodo-5-nitrobenzonitrile (0.500 g, 1.82 mmol) and Zn (0.58 g, 8.87 mmol) in MeOH (20 mL) was added dropwise 1 mL of acetic acid. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h and then concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography afforded 0.250 g (56%) of UB-210 as a white solid. Rf=0.22 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.24 (d, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (t, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 6.81-6.73 (m, 1H), 3.81 (s, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 147.74, 129.88, 127.63, 117.39, 116.80, 114.45, 94.45.

    Example 67

    [0268] ##STR00083##

    [0269] N-(5-Cyano-3-iodophenyl)acetamide (UB-149). To a solution of 3-amino-5-iodobenzonitrile (0.20 g, 0.81 mmol) in DCM (10.0 mL) was added acetic anhydride (0.1 mL, 1.15 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The suspension was filtered, and the solvent removed under vacuum. Purification by flash chromatography (70/30 n-Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 0.21 (90%) of UB-210 as a white solid. Rf=0.29 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 8.13 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.87 (t, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 2.04 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 170.51, 140.51, 134.84, 132.16, 121.42, 116.54, 113.80, 93.18, 22.51.

    Example 68

    [0270] ##STR00084##

    [0271] N-(3-Iodo-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)acetamide (UB-216). The final compound was obtained from N-(5-cyano-3-iodophenyl)acetamide (0.18 g, 0.63 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (60/40 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.055 g (26%) of UB-216 as a red solid. Rf=0.21 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.63 (s, 1H), 10.35 (s, 1H), 8.73 (t, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.44 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.38 (t, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 2.11 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 169.44, 164.69, 158.81, 141.92, 134.71, 131.04, 130.64, 117.61, 95.93, 24.59.

    Example 69

    [0272] ##STR00085##

    [0273] N-(3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)-5-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)acetamide (UB-220). The final compound was obtained from 55 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.2. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (70/30 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.025 g (41%) of UB-220 as a purple oil. Rf=0.35 (n-Heptane:50% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.20 (s, 1H), 8.56 (t, J=2.1 Hz, 1H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.03 (d, J=2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 0.36 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.68, 166.46, 157.80, 145.49, 138.40, 131.68, 131.52, 131.18, 119.43, 24.60, ?9.30; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.13H.sub.18N.sub.5SnO].sup.+: 380.05; Found: 380.09.

    Example 70 of UB-150

    [0274] The radiolabelling of UB150 was provided as described in the Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [0275] [a] Stannate precursor could not be synthesized. [0276] [b] No tetrazine formation detected. [0277] [c] Decomposition during Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [0278] [d] RCCs were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3).

    Example 71

    [0279] ##STR00086##

    [0280] 3-Cyano-5-fluorobenzamide (UB-69). To a solution of 5-cyano-3-fluorobenzoic acid (0.99 g, 6.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 ml) was added 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (1.46 g, 9.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 min, before addition of aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution (35%, 20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 min and ice-cold water (15 ml) was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the title compound 0.77 g (78%) of UB-69 as a white solid. Rf=0.41 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 8.21 (s, 1H), 8.16 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (ddd, J=8.4, 2.6, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (ddd, J=9.6, 2.5, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (s, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 165.12 (d, J=2.4 Hz), 162.04 (d, J=247.5 Hz), 138.39 (d, J=7.3 Hz), 128.11 (d, J=3.1 Hz), 122.37 (d, J=25.7 Hz), 120.16 (d, J=22.9 Hz), 117.69 (d, J=3.1 Hz), 113.52 (d, J=9.9 Hz).

    Example 72

    [0281] ##STR00087##

    [0282] 3-Fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzamide (UB-70). The final compound was obtained from 3-cyano-5-fluorobenzamide (0.75 g, 4.57 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to yield o yield 0.36 g (36%) of UB-70 as a pink solid. Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.69 (s, 1H), 8.88 (s, 1H), 8.48-8.20 (m, 2H), 8.16-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 166.08 (d, J=2.3 Hz), 164.94 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 162.85 (d, J=245.6 Hz), 158.89, 138.32 (d, J=6.9 Hz), 134.93 (d, J=8.2 Hz), 123.56 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 118.85 (d, J=23.0 Hz), 117.31 (d, J=24.1 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.7FN.sub.5O].sup.+: 220.06; found 220.09.

    Example 73

    [0283] ##STR00088##

    [0284] 3-Iodo-5-(methoxycarbonyl)benzoic acid (UB-277). The preparation of this intermediate, was performed using a method described previously..sup.[19] To a solution of dimethyl 5-iodoisophthalate (12.8 g, 40 mmol), methanol (80 mL), and CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (40 mL) was added NaOH (1.68 g, 42 mmol). The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 24 hours. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure. Lots of white precipitate formed when water (9 mL), dichloromethane (10 mL), and ethyl acetate (10 mL) were added while stirring, which was collected by filtration, well washed with a mixture of dichloromethane (10 mL) and ethyl acetate (10 mL), and then with water (10 mL). After transferring the solid (mono sodium salt) to a separatory funnel, ethyl acetate (80 mL) and conc. HCl (3 mL) diluted with water (20 mL) were successively added. The mixture was vigorously shaken until the solid was disappeared. Then the organic layer was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted by ethyl acetate (25 mL). The organic layers were combined and washed by brine (20 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered, and concentrated. The solid obtained was washed recrystallized from MeOH to give 10.3 g (84%) of UB-277 as a white solid. Rf=0.33 (CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2:5% MeOH:0.1% AcOH); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 13.57 (s, 1H), 8.49-8.27 (m, 3H), 3.89 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 165.55, 164.68, 142.24, 141.62, 133.67, 132.31, 129.36, 95.42, 53.15.

    Example 74

    [0285] ##STR00089##

    [0286] Methyl 3-carbamoyl-5-iodobenzoate (UB-280). A solution of 3-methoxycarbony5-iodobenzoic acid (10.3 g, 33.65 mmol) in thionyl chloride (30.0 mL) was heated for 2 hours at 60? C. The reaction mixture was cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure. The intermediate acid chloride was then diluted with tetrahydrofuran (40 mL) and cooled to 0? C. The mixture was then treated with a solution of 2M ammonia (60 mL, 120 mmol, methanol) and the reaction stirred for 1 hour at 0? C. The mixture was then filtered, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. Recrystallization from methanol afforded 7.70 g (75%) of UB-280 as a white solid. Rf=0.25 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 8.47 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.44 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.35 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 3.89 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 165.86, 164.96, 140.72, 140.21, 136.99, 132.10, 128.09, 95.18, 53.06.

    Example 75

    [0287] ##STR00090##

    [0288] Methyl 3-cyano-5-iodobenzoate (UB-284). At a temperature of about 0? C., a solution of 2.8 ml (16.5 mmol) of trifluoromethanesulphonic anhydride in 50 ml of dichloromethane was added dropwise to a solution of 2.80 g (9.18 mmol) of methyl 3-carbamoyl-5-iodobenzoate and 8 ml (45.9 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine in 150 ml of dichloromethane. After a reaction time of 30 min at 0? C., 50 ml of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution were added, and the mixture was stirred vigorously at room temperature for 10 minutes. The organic phase was separated off, dried over anhydrous MgSO.sub.4, filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator. Purification by flash chromatography (80/20 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 2.4 g (91%) of UB-284 as a white solid. Rf=0.5 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 3.96 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 163.72, 144.07, 142.59, 132.70, 132.25, 116.25, 114.55, 93.68, 52.99.

    Example 76

    [0289] ##STR00091##

    [0290] 3-Cyano-5-iodobenzoic acid (UB-285). A solution of methy3-cyano-5-iodobenzoate (2.36 g, 8.22 mmol) in THF (25 mL) was treated with 0.5M LiOH (20 mL, 9.86 mmol) and methanol. The reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 1 hour. The solvent was concentrated in vacuo and the mixture treated with 1N HCl. The resulting white precipitate was filtered, and the filtrate was extracted with dichloromethane. The residue and the extracted filtrate were combined and concentrated in vacuo to afford 2.1 g (94%) UB-285 as a white solid. Rf=0.33 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.73 (s, 1H), 8.65 (s, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.43, 145.01, 143.10, 132.80, 131.74, 116.04, 114.77, 93.84.

    ##STR00092##

    [0291] 3-Cyano-5-iodobenzamide (UB-263). To a solution of 5-cyano-3-iodobenzoic acid (0.40 g, 1.46 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 ml) was added 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (0.36 g, 2.20 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 min, before addition of ammonium hydroxide solution (80%, 5 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 min and ice-cold water (15 ml) was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the title compound 0.35 g (88%) of UB-263 as a white solid. Rf=0.44 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 8.41 (s, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 166.85, 142.88, 140.78, 136.39, 130.23, 116.17, 113.99, 93.36.

    Example 78

    [0292] ##STR00093##

    [0293] 3-Iodo-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzamide (UB-265). The final compound was obtained from 3-cyano-5-iodobenzamide (0.21 g, 0.77 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to yield 0.07 g (28%) of UB-265 as a pink solid. Rf=0.41 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.68 (s, 1H), 8.99 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.89 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.55 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 7.66 (s, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 165.96, 164.64, 158.84, 140.13, 138.75, 137.55, 134.60, 126.77, 95.96.

    Example 79

    [0294] ##STR00094##

    [0295] 3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)-5-(trimethylstannyl)benzamide (UB-272). The final compound was obtained from 55 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.2. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (40/60 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.025 g (41%) of UB-220 as a purple oil. Rf=0.42 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.28 (s, 1H), 8.76 (dd, J=1.8, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (dd, J=1.9, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 0.31 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 170.47, 166.26, 158.03, 144.81, 138.52, 137.69, 134.02, 131.68, 126.83, ?11.10; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.16N.sub.5SnO].sup.+: 366.04; Found: 366.08.

    Example 80 of UB-70

    [0296] The radiolabelling of UB-70 was provided as described in Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [0297] [a] Stannate precursor could not be synthesized. [0298] [b] No tetrazine formation detected. [0299] [c] Decomposition during Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [0300] [d] RCCs were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3).

    Example 81

    [0301] ##STR00095##

    [0302] 5-Cyano-3-fluoro-N-methylbenzamide (UB-199). To a solution of 5-cyano-3-fluorobenzoic acid (0.99 g, 6.0 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 ml) was added 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (1.46 g, 9.0 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 min, before addition of aqueous methylamine solution (40%, 20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 min and ice-cold water (15 ml) was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the title compound 0.81 g (76%) of UB199 as a white solid. Rf=0.32 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 8.72 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.05 (ddd, J=8.1, 2.7, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (ddd, J=9.5, 2.7, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 2.81 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 163.96 (d, J=2.5 Hz), 162.02 (d, J=247.5 Hz), 138.49 (d, J=7.4 Hz), 127.76 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 122.17 (d, J=25.6 Hz), 119.85 (d, J=23.1 Hz), 117.66 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 113.55 (d, J=10.0 Hz), 26.83.

    Example 82

    [0303] ##STR00096##

    [0304] 3-Fluoro-N-methyl-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzamide (UB-200). The final compound was obtained from 5-cyano-3-fluoro-N-methylbenzamide (0.62 g, 3.48 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to afford 0.28 g (34%) of UB-200 as a pink solid. Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.70 (s, 1H), 8.87 (s, 2H), 8.39 (dd, J=9.3, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (dt, J=9.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.85 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 164.88 (d, J=11.1 Hz), 162.89 (d, J=245.8 Hz), 158.92, 138.41 (d, J=7.5 Hz), 135.00 (d, J=8.2 Hz), 133.13, 123.08, 118.56 (d, J=22.8 Hz), 117.16 (d, J=24.0 Hz), 26.89; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.10H.sub.9FN.sub.5O].sup.+: 234.08; found 234.06.

    Example 83

    [0305] ##STR00097##

    [0306] 5-Cyano-3-iodo-N-methylbenzamide (UB-262). To a solution of 5-cyano-3-iodobenzoic acid (0.40 g, 1.46 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 ml) was added 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (0.36 g, 2.20 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45 min, before addition of aqueous Methylamine solution (80%, 5 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 45 min and ice-cold water (15 ml) was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the title compound 0.41 g (98%) of UB-262 as a white solid. Rf=0.55 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 8.45 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (d, J=1.9 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 2.93 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 165.38, 142.63, 140.38, 136.78, 129.83, 116.20, 113.97, 93.44, 25.67.

    Example 84

    [0307] ##STR00098##

    [0308] 3-Iodo-N-methyl-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzamide (UB-264). The final compound was obtained from 5-cyano-3-iodo-N-methylbenzamide (0.38 g, 1.32 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to yield 0.11 g (24%) of UB254 as a pink solid. Rf=0.45 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.68 (s, 1H), 8.97 (s, 1H), 8.89 (s, 1H), 8.84 (q, J=4.5 Hz, 1H), 8.51 (s, 1H), 2.83 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 164.67, 164.62, 158.89, 139.78, 138.57, 137.63, 134.64, 126.31, 96.04, 26.89.

    Example 85

    [0309] ##STR00099##

    [0310] N-methyl-3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)-5-(trimethylstannyl)benzamide (UB-269). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.14 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.2. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (60/40 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.035 g (63%) of UB269 as a purple oil. Rf=0.46 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.25 (s, 1H), 8.89-8.80 (m, 2H), 8.26 (dd, J=1.9, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.08 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 3H), 0.39 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.68, 166.22, 157.96, 145.55, 139.44, 138.02, 134.89, 130.88, 125.60, 26.97, ?9.23; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.13H.sub.18N.sub.5SnO].sup.+: 380.05; Found: 380.02.

    Example 86 of UB-200

    [0311] The radiolabelling of UB-007 was provided as described in the Example 128, 129 and 130 and as shown in Table 2. In Table 2, the following letters in brackets defines the following: [0312] [a] Stannate precursor could not be synthesized. [0313] [b] No tetrazine formation detected. [0314] [c] Decomposition during Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [0315] [d] RCCs were determined by radio-HPLC (n=3).

    Example 87

    [0316] ##STR00100##

    [0317] 3-(3-fluoro-6-methylphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV-117). The final compound was obtained from 5-fluoro-2-methylbenzonitrile (0.54 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield after crystallization with n-Heptane 0.12 g (16%) of a red solid. Rf=0.37 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.23 (s, 1H), 7.72 (dd, J=8.5, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.08 (dd, J=9.1, 4.2 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 167.77 (d, J=2.2 Hz), 157.08 (d, J=240.5 Hz), 156.99, 154.97 (d, J=2.1 Hz), 122.91 (d, J=7.8 Hz), 120.08 (d, J=22.9 Hz), 118.48 (d, J=25.3 Hz), 113.94 (d, J=7.9 Hz), 56.96; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.7FN.sub.4].sup.+: 191.07; Found 191.09.

    Example 88

    [0318] ##STR00101##

    [0319] 3-(5-iodo-2-methylphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_125). The final compound was obtained from 3-iodo-5-methylbenzonitrile (0.97 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield after crystallization with n-Heptane 0.21 g (17%) of a red solid. Rf=0.42 (n n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.26 (s, 1H), 8.43 (s, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.15 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 2.59 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.60, 157.06, 140.71, 139.61, 138.56, 133.95, 133.52, 90.88, 21.28.

    Example 89

    [0320] ##STR00102##

    [0321] 3-(2-methyl-5-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_139). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.2. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.10 g (18%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.32 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.23 (s, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.63 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 0.33 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 170.16, 156.91, 140.46, 139.45, 138.73, 138.49, 131.61, 131.48, 21.39, ?9.27; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.16N.sub.4Sn].sup.+: 337.05; Found: 337.1.

    [0322] Chloroform-d) ? 166.64, 157.77, 145.64, 132.10, 127.94, 127.56, 111.71, 55.45, ?9.36; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.17N.sub.4SnO].sup.+: 353.04; Found: 353.07.

    Example 90

    [0323] ##STR00103##

    [0324] 3-(3-fluoro-6-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV-116). The final compound was obtained from 5-fluoro-2-methoxylbenzonitrile (0.60 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield after crystallization with n-Heptane 0.13 g (16%) as a red solid. Rf=0.18 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.23 (s, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=9.4 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 2.50 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 165.99 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 163.45 (d, J=246.8 Hz), 158.11, 141.97 (d, J=7.8 Hz), 133.45 (d, J=8.9 Hz), 124.81, 120.95 (d, J=21.2 Hz), 112.44 (d, J=24.2 Hz), 21.60; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.7FN.sub.4O].sup.+: 207.07; Found: 207.9.

    Example 91

    [0325] ##STR00104##

    [0326] 3-(5-iodo-2-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_105). The final compound was obtained from 3-iodo-5-methoxybenzonitrile (1.03 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield after crystallization with n-Heptane 0.19 g (15%) as a red solid. Rf=0.21 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.21 (s, 1H), 8.21 (s, 1H), 7.82 (dd, J=8.8, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 6.88 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 167.31, 158.39, 156.94, 142.10, 140.14, 124.08, 114.62, 82.71, 56.35.

    Example 92

    [0327] ##STR00105##

    [0328] 3-(2-methoxy-5-(trimethylstannyl)phenyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (RGV_110). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.1. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.23 g (40%) of a pink solid. Rf=0.16 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.21 (s, 1H), 8.11-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.19-7.05 (m, 1H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 0.32 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, CDCl.sub.3) ? 168.91, 158.89, 156.86, 141.13, 139.19, 133.70, 122.09, 112.20, 56.11, ?9.19; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.16N.sub.4OSn].sup.+: 353.04; Found: 353.1.

    Example 93

    [0329] ##STR00106##

    [0330] N-(2-cyano-4-fluorophenyl)acetamide (UB-154). To a solution of the 2-amino-5-fluorobenzonitrile (0.82 g, 6.00 mmol) in DCM (30.0 mL) was added acetic anhydride (0.80 mL, 8.40 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The suspension was filtered, and the solvent removed under vacuum. Purification by flash chromatography (70/30 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 0.81 g (76%) of UB-154 as a white solid. Rf=0.41 (n-Heptane:40% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 10.16 (s, 1H), 7.81 (dd, J=8.4, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.57 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 2.09 (s, 3H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d.sub.6) ? 169.22, 158.86 (d, J=244.3 Hz), 137.55 (d, J=3.0 Hz), 128.41 (d, J=8.7 Hz), 121.74 (d, J=22.4 Hz), 120.01 (d, J=26.0 Hz), 116.21 (d, J=2.7 Hz), 109.34, 23.49.

    [0331] 164.47, 164.13, 149.66, 136.88, 132.80, 132.00, 131.62, 129.46, 128.11, 127.08, ?9.32; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.12H.sub.16N.sub.4OSn].sup.+: 353.04; Found: 353.1.

    Example 94

    [0332] ##STR00107##

    [0333] 3-(Bromomethyl)-5-fluorobenzonitrile (UB-98). To a solution of 3-fluoro-5-methylbenzonitrile (2.61 g, 19.24 mmol) and N-bromosuccinmide (5.13 g, 28.86 mmol) in CHCl.sub.3 was added AIBN (1.26 g, 7.69 mmol). The reaction was refluxed for 24 h. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the crude purified by flash chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 95/5) to give 2.10 g (51%) of UMB-98 as a colorless oil. Rf=0.32 (n-Heptane:5% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.50 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (dt, J=8.9, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (ddd, J=7.9, 2.5, 1.3 Hz, 1H), 4.46 (s, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 162.12 (d, J=251.3 Hz), 141.93 (d, J=8.0 Hz), 128.52 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 121.06 (d, J=22.0 Hz), 118.97 (d, J=24.7 Hz), 117.07 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 114.26 (d, J=9.9 Hz), 30.32 (d, J=1.9 Hz).

    Example 95

    [0334] ##STR00108##

    [0335] Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-cyano-5-fluorobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-100). To a solution of 3-fluoro-5-bromomethylbenzonitrile (1.09 g, 5.10 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (30 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (1.06 g, 7.65 mmol) and di-tert-butyl iminodiacetate (1.50 g, 6.12 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the resulting mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2?25 mL), washed with brine (30 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography (90/10 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 1.72 g (89%) of UB-100 as a white solid. Rf=0.24 (n-Heptane:10% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.51-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.23 (ddd, J=7.8, 2.5, 1.4 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (s, 2H), 3.39 (s, 4H), 1.46 (s, 18H);

    ##STR00109##

    Example 96

    [0336] Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-104). The compound was obtained from di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-cyano-5-fluorobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (1.70 g, 4.49 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 95/5) to yield 0.11 g (24%) of UB-104 as a red solid. Rf=0.39 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.17 (s, 1H), 8.34 (d, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.14 (ddd, J=9.2, 2.5, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.55-7.45 (m, 1H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 3.40 (s, 4H), 1.41 (s, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 170.25, 165.78 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 163.58 (d, J=247.5 Hz), 157.97, 143.30 (d, J=7.1 Hz), 133.46 (d, J=8.7 Hz), 124.18 (d, J=2.7 Hz), 120.64 (d, J=21.8 Hz), 114.15 (d, J=24.5 Hz), 81.34, 56.96 (d, J=1.8 Hz), 55.35, 28.17.

    Example 97

    [0337] ##STR00110##

    [0338] 1-Carboxy-N-(carboxymethyl)-N-(3-fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-108). To a solution of di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (0.15 g, 0.36 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a pink solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.08 g (51%) of UMB-108 as a pink solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.42 (s, 1H), 8.60 (d, J=1.4 Hz, 1H), 8.41-8.32 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.64 (m, 1H), 5.11 (s, 7H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 4.11 (s, 4H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 168.68, 165.12 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 163.27 (d, J=247.6 Hz), 158.24, 135.40 (d, J=7.7 Hz), 135.10 (d, J=8.6 Hz), 126.05 (d, J=3.0 Hz), 121.71 (d, J=22.7 Hz), 115.46 (d, J=24.4 Hz), 57.85, 53.62; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.13H.sub.13FN.sub.5O.sub.4].sup.+: 322.09; Found: 323.11.

    [0339] FIG. 5 displays the whole synthesis scheme. FIG. 7 displays the NMR chromatogram.

    Example 98

    [0340] ##STR00111##

    [0341] 3-(Bromomethyl)-5-iodobenzonitrile (UB-142). To a solution of 3-iodo-5-methylbenzonitrile (2.50 g, 10.28 mmol) and N-bromosuccinimide (2.28 g, 12.86 mmol) in CHCl.sub.3 (40 mL) was added AIBN (0.67 g, 4.11 mmol). The reaction was refluxed for 24 h. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the crude purified by flash chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 95/5) to give 1.61 g (49%) of UMB-142 as a white solid. Rf=0.28 (n-Heptane:5% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.96 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 4.38 (s, 2H) .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 142.20, 140.90, 140.12, 131.67, 116.55, 114.56, 94.05, 29.90.

    Example 99

    [0342] ##STR00112##

    [0343] Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-cyano-5-iodobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-152). To a solution of 3-(bromomethyl)-5-iodobenzonitrile (1.00 g, 3.10 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (30 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (0.64 g, 7.65 mmol) and the corresponding amine (0.91 g, 3.72 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the resulting mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2?25 mL), washed with brine (30 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (90/10 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 1.35 g (89%) of UB-152 as a colorless oil. Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane:5% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.65 (s, 1H), 3.83 (s, 2H), 3.33 (s, 4H), 1.40 (s, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 169.95, 142.47, 142.14, 139.29, 131.57, 117.13, 114.11, 93.93, 81.52, 56.16, 55.23, 28.17.

    Example 100

    [0344] ##STR00113##

    [0345] Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-iodo-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-156). The compound was obtained from di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-cyano-5-iodobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (1.30 g, 2.67 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 95/5) to 0.37 g (26%) of UB-156 as red oil. Rf=0.39 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.22 (s, 1H), 8.84 (s, 1H), 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 3.99 (s, 2H), 3.44 (s, 4H), 1.46 (s, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 170.11, 165.31, 157.97, 142.35, 136.05, 133.37, 127.89, 95.12, 81.35, 56.66, 55.28, 28.19.

    Example 101

    [0346] ##STR00114##

    [0347] Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)-5-(trimethylstannyl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-161). The final compound was obtained from 50 mg (0.09 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.2. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.025 g (47%) of UB-161 as a purple oil. Rf=0.37 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.20 (s, 1H), 8.63 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.55 (s, 1H), 7.97-7.73 (m, 1H), 4.08 (s, 2H), 3.50 (s, 4H), 1.47 (s, 18H), 0.37 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 170.12, 166.84, 157.74, 144.34, 141.42, 134.63, 131.05, 129.00, 81.28, 57.37, 55.09, 28.19, ?9.27; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.24H.sub.38N.sub.5SnO.sub.4].sup.+: 580.19; Found: 580.22.

    [0348] The synthesis of UB-108 and UB-137 using UB-161 is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7a displays the NMR chromatogram.

    Example 102 of UB-108

    [0349] The radiolabelling of UB-108 was provided as described Example 128, 129, 130, 131 and 132 and as shown in FIG. 1 and the final structure is also shown in FIG. 4. The HPLC test of UB108 was performed as described in Example 135, and the HPLC chromatogram is shown in FIG. 9.

    Example 103

    [0350] ##STR00115##

    [0351] Tert-butyl 2-((3-cyano-5-fluorobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-127). To a solution of 3-(bromomethyl)-5-fluorobenzonitrile (3.34 g, 15.60 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (40 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (10.78 g, 78.02 mmol) and glycine tert-butyl ester hydrochloride (7.85 g, 46.81 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the resulting mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2?25 mL), washed with brine (30 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography afforded 3.52 g (85%) of UB-127 as a colorless oil. Rf=0.23 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.46 (d, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (dt, J=9.3, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.25-7.18 (m, 1H), 3.83 (s, 2H), 3.28 (s, 2H), 1.92 (s, 1H), 1.47 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 171.35, 162.36 (d, J=250.1 Hz), 144.68 (d, J=7.4 Hz), 127.53 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 119.97 (d, J=21.3 Hz), 117.66 (d, J=24.8 Hz), 117.63 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 113.66 (d, J=9.7 Hz), 81.60, 51.96 (d, J=1.8 Hz), 50.82, 28.12.

    Example 104

    [0352] ##STR00116##

    [0353] Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-cyano-5-fluorobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-128). To a solution of tert-butyl 2-((3-cyano-5-fluorobenzyl)amino)acetate (1.5 g, 5.67 mmol) and Et.sub.3N (1.90 mL, 13.62 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) was added Boc.sub.2O (1.48 g, 6.81 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The solution was then washed with water (50 mL) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 saturated solution (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 2.1 g of the crude. Purification by flash chromatography (90/10 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 1.84 g (89%) of UB-128 as a colorless oil (60/40 unassigned rotamers mixture). Rf=0.48 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.42-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.33-7.25 (m, 2H), 4.54 (s, 1.2H), 4.49 (s, 0.8H), 3.89 (s, 0.8H), 3.74 (s, 1.2H), 1.67-1.35 (m, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.51, 168.43, 162.39 (d, J=250.6 Hz), 155.62, 155.21, 143.03 (d, J=7.3 Hz), 142.68 (d, J=7.3 Hz), 127.11 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 126.85-126.63 (m), 119.78 (d, J=21.6 Hz), 119.25 (d, J=21.5 Hz), 117.99 (d, J=24.7 Hz), 117.92 (d, J=24.8 Hz), 117.52-117.42 (m), 113.90 (d, J=9.8 Hz), 81.63 (d, J=78.3 Hz), 81.51 (d, J=81.3 Hz), 51.17, 50.90, 49.88, 49.52, 31.87, 29.00, 28.21, 28.03, 22.67, 14.09.

    Example 105

    [0354] ##STR00117##

    [0355] Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate (UB-133). The compound was obtained from tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-cyano-5-fluorobenzyl)amino)acetate (1.56 g, 4.28 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 95/5) to yield 0.45 g (25%) of UB-133 as red oil (60/40 unassigned rotamers mixture). Rf=0.41 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.27 (s, 1H), 8.37-8.30 (m, 1H), 8.27-8.20 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.28 (m, 1H), 4.67 (s, 1.2H), 4.60 (s, 0.8H), 3.93 (s, 0.8H), 3.79 (s, 1.2H), 1.53-1.41 (m, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.64, 165.56, 163.56 (d, J=248.0 Hz), 163.49 (d, J=248.1 Hz), 158.02, 155.73, 155.42, 142.44 (d, J=6.3 Hz), 142.19 (d, J=6.9 Hz), 133.73 (d, J=8.9 Hz), 123.05, 122.88, 119.57 (d, J=22.0 Hz), 119.08 (d, J=21.7 Hz), 81.43 (d, J=82.1 Hz), 81.30 (d, J=91.4 Hz), 51.41, 51.06, 49.60, 49.28, 28.30, 28.26, 28.04.

    Example 106

    [0356] ##STR00118##

    [0357] 1-Carboxy-N-(3-fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-137). To a solution of tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate (0.30 g, 0.71 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a red solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.11 g (41%) of UMB-137 as a pink oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.32 (s, 1H), 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.30 (ddd, J=9.4, 2.5, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.85-7.25 (m, 1H), 4.36 (s, 2H), 3.93 (s, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 167.31, 165.08 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 163.31 (d, J=247.8 Hz), 158.31, 135.47 (d, J=8.8 Hz), 134.73 (d, J=7.8 Hz), 125.19 (d, J=3.1 Hz), 120.87 (d, J=22.9 Hz), 115.54 (d, J=24.3 Hz), 49.76 (d, J=1.9 Hz), 46.57; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.11H.sub.11FN.sub.5O.sub.2].sup.+: 264.09; Found: 264.07.

    [0358] FIG. 5 displays the whole synthesis scheme. FIG. 8 displays the NMR chromatogram.

    Example 107

    [0359] ##STR00119##

    [0360] Tert-butyl 2-((3-cyano-5-iodobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-231). To a solution of 3-(bromomethyl)-5-iodobenzonitrile (2.00 g, 6.21 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (40 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (4.29 g, 31.07 mmol) and glycine tert-butyl ester hydrochloride (3.12 g, 18.63 mmol).

    [0361] The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the resulting mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2?25 mL), washed with brine (30 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography afforded 1.91 g (83%) of UB-231 as a colorless oil. Rf=0.23 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.56 (s, 1H), 3.72 (s, 2H), 3.21 (s, 2H), 1.91 (s, 1H), 1.41 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 171.24, 143.30, 141.56, 139.06, 130.89, 117.13, 114.11, 93.95, 81.68, 51.74, 50.76, 28.13.

    Example 108

    [0362] ##STR00120##

    [0363] Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-cyano-5-iodobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-232). To a solution of tert-butyl 2-((3-cyano-5-iodobenzyl)amino)acetate (1.9 g, 5.10 mmol) and Et.sub.3N (1.71 mL, 12.25 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) was added Boc.sub.2O (1.41 g, 6.12 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The solution was then washed with water (50 mL) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 saturated solution (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 2.5 g of the crude. Purification by flash chromatography (80/20 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 2.2 g (91%) of UB-232 as a colorless oil (60/40 unassigned rotamers mixture). Rf=0.38 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.99-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.41 (m, 1H), 4.48 (s, 1.2H), 4.42 (s, 0.8H), 3.86 (s, 0.8H), 3.70 (s, 1.2H), 1.51-1.42 (m, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.43, 155.62, 142.14, 141.49, 141.13, 140.79, 139.30, 131.33, 130.50, 130.04, 117.00, 114.29, 94.03, 82.03, 81.93, 81.30, 81.13, 50.85, 50.56, 49.78, 49.53, 28.22, 28.05.

    Example 109

    [0364] ##STR00121##

    [0365] Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-iodo-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate (UB-235). The compound was obtained from tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-cyano-5-iodobenzyl)amino)acetate (2.10 g, 4.44 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 95/5) to yield 0.64 g (27%) of UB-235 as red oil (60/40 unassigned rotamers mixture). Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.18 (s, 1H), 8.84-8.71 (m, 1H), 8.45-8.36 (m, 1H), 7.87-7.74 (m, 1H), 4.54 (s, 1.2H), 4.47 (s, 0.8H), 3.85 (s, 0.8H), 3.69 (s, 1.2H), 1.44-1.36 (m, 9H), 1.38 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.63, 165.14, 158.04, 155.71, 155.39, 141.70, 141.46, 141.26, 140.93, 136.06, 135.93, 133.58, 133.52, 126.70, 126.48, 95.21, 81.83, 81.74, 81.07, 80.85, 51.11, 50.71, 49.47, 49.33, 28.31, 28.26, 28.07.

    Example 110

    [0366] ##STR00122##

    [0367] tert-butyl 2-((3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)-5-(trimethylstannyl)benzyl)(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)acetate (UB-266). The final compound was obtained from 77 mg (0.15 mmol) of the starting material, following the General Procedure D.2. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 n-Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.055 g (66%) of UB-266 as a purple oil (60/40 unassigned rotamers mixture). Rf=0.38 (n-Heptane:20% EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.21 (s, 1H), 8.74-8.60 (m, 1H), 8.45-8.37 (m, 1H), 7.70-7.61 (m, 2H), 4.65 (s, 1.2H), 4.58 (s, 0.8H), 3.90 (s, 0.8H), 3.75 (s, 1.2H), 1.49 (s, 9H), 1.44 (s, 9H), 0.36 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.85, 166.70, 157.76, 155.81, 155.62, 144.69, 140.25, 139.75, 138.58, 138.33, 134.55, 131.09, 127.41, 81.62, 81.51, 80.69, 80.51, 51.60, 51.17, 49.25, 48.95, 28.37, 28.29, 28.07, ?9.34; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.23H.sub.36N.sub.5SnO.sub.4].sup.+: 566.18; Found: 566.19.

    [0368] The synthesis of UB-108 and UB-137 using UB-266 is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8a displays the NMR chromatogram.

    Example 111 of UB-137: See Radiochemistry Section and FIGS. 1, 6 and 12

    [0369] The radiolabelling of UB-134 was provided as described in the Example 128, 129, 130, 131 and 132 and as shown in FIG. 1 and the final structure is also shown in FIG. 4. The HPLC test of UB-137 was performed as described in Example 135, and the HPLC chromatogram is shown in FIG. 10.

    Example 112

    [0370] ##STR00123##

    [0371] 2-Fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzoic acid (UB-12) The compound was obtained from 4-cyano-2-fluorobenzoic acid (0.66 g, 4.00 mmol) following the following General Procedure C. Purification by flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) afforded 0.32 g (36%) of UB-12 as a red solid. Rf=0.31 (Heptane/EtOAc 30/70); .sup.1H NMR (600 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.44 (s, 1H), 8.50 (dd, J=8.1, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (dd, J=11.5, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (151 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 165.11 (d, J=3.3 Hz), 165.04 (d, J=2.7 Hz), 162.10 (d, J=259.0 Hz), 158.24 (d, J=10.2 Hz), 137.97 (d, J=8.8 Hz), 132.85 (d, J=1.2 Hz), 123.10 (d, J=4.0 Hz), 122.84 (d, J=10.7 Hz), 115.83 (d, J=25.7 Hz); MS (ESI) m/z [M?H].sup.?: 219.04

    Example 113

    [0372] ##STR00124##

    [0373] 3-Fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzoic acid (UB-65). The final compound was obtained from 3-Fluoro-5-cyanobenzoic acid (0.66 g, 4.00 mmol) following General Procedure C. The crude was purified using flash chromatography (98/2 CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2/MeOH) to yield 0.21 g (24%) of UB-65 as a red solid. Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane:60% EtOAC); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.32 (s, 1H), 8.95 (t, J=1.5 Hz, 1H), 8.42 (ddd, J=9.2, 2.6, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (ddd, J=8.8, 2.7, 1.4 Hz, 1H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 166.04, 165.07, 163.08 (d, J=247.1 Hz), 158.29, 134.91 (d, J=8.2 Hz), 134.49 (d, J=7.3 Hz), 124.63 (d, J=3.1 Hz), 119.87 (d, J=23.2 Hz), 118.29 (d, J=24.7 Hz); HPLC-MS [M?H].sup.? m/z calc. for [C.sub.9H.sub.4FN.sub.4O.sub.2].sup.+: 219.03; Found: 219.07.

    Example 114

    Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-41)

    [0374] The compound was obtained from 4-(bromomethyl)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (0.85 g, 3.97 mmol) following the procedure employed for example 95. Purification by flash chromatography (n-Heptane/EtOAc 90/10) afforded 1.5 g (90%) of the desired compound as a colorless oil. Rf=0.34 (n-Heptane/EtOAc 80/20); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.83 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J=7.9, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.33 (dd, J=9.2, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (s, 2H), 3.45 (s, 4H), 1.48 (s, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 170.21, 160.53 (d, J=250.0 Hz), 132.26 (d, J=14.0 Hz), 132.19 (d, J=5.1 Hz), 128.20 (d, J=3.8 Hz), 118.79 (d, J=25.5 Hz), 117.73 (d, J=2.8 Hz), 112.16 (d, J=9.5 Hz), 81.34, 55.61, 50.06, 28.13.

    Example 115

    Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-42)

    [0375] The compound was obtained from Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (1.5 g, 3.96 mmol) following General Procedure C. Purification by flash chromatography (n-Heptane/EtOAc 85/15) afforded 0.25 g (15%) of the desired compound as a red oil. Rf=0.39 (n-Heptane/EtOAc 80/20); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.16 (s, 1H), 8.34 (dd, J=8.1, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.21 (dd, J=10.6, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 3.42 (s, 4H), 1.40 (s, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 170.33, 165.69 (d, J=3.0 Hz), 161.70 (d, J=247.8 Hz), 157.89, 132.38, 132.31 (d, J=4.4 Hz), 131.48 (d, J=14.5 Hz), 124.02 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 114.88 (d, J=25.1 Hz), 81.21, 55.58, 50.18 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 28.15.

    Example 116

    1-Carboxy-N-(carboxymethyl)-N-(2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-44)

    [0376] The compound was obtained from di-tert-butyl 2,2-((2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (0.24 g, 0.55 mmol) following the procedure employed in example 97. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.02 g (8%) of UB-44 as a red solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.41 (s, 1H), 8.50 (dd, J=8.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.38 (dd, J=10.9, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.90 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 4H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 170.22, 165.29, 162.05 (d, J=248.2 Hz), 158.17, 135.18 (d, J=8.2 Hz), 133.50 (d, J=3.6 Hz), 125.50 (d, J=13.7 Hz), 123.84 (d, J=3.5 Hz), 114.61 (d, J=25.2 Hz), 53.85, 51.04; HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.13H.sub.13FN.sub.5O.sub.4].sup.+: 322.09; Found: 322.12.

    Example 117

    Tert-butyl 2-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-33)

    [0377] The compound was obtained from 4-(bromomethyl)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (1.00 g, 4.67 mmol) following the procedure example 103. Purification by flash chromatography (n-Heptane/EtOAc 80/20) afforded 0.52 g (42%) of the desired compound as a colorless oil. Rf=0.31 (n-Heptane/EtOAc 60/40); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.48 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (dd, J=7.9, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 7.21 (dd, J=9.4, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 2H), 3.19 (s, 2H), 1.91 (s, 1H), 1.34 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 171.14, 160.28 (d, J=249.5 Hz), 133.12 (d, J=14.8 Hz), 130.95 (d, J=5.2 Hz), 128.13 (d, J=3.8 Hz), 118.69 (d, J=25.5 Hz), 117.51, 112.03 (d, J=9.6 Hz), 81.23, 50.85, 45.89 (d, J=3.1 Hz).

    Example 118

    Tert-butyl 2-((2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate (UB-35)

    [0378] Tert-butyl 2-((4-cyano-2-fluorobenzyl)amino)acetate (0.5 g, 1.89 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (0.121 mL, 1.89 mmol), sulfur (0.12 g, 0.47 mmol) and ethanol (4.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (0.74 mL, 15.13 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 3 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (1.30 g, 18.92 mmol) in 10 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (7 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (70/30 heptane/EtoAc) to yield 0.120 g (20%) of red oil. Rf=0.32 (n-Heptane/EtOAc 60/40); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.44 (s, 1H), 8.51 (dd, J=8.1, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.43 (dd, J=10.8, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 3.79 (s, 2H), 3.19 (s, 2H), 1.91 (s, 1H), 1.34 (s, 9H).

    Example 119

    1-Carboxy-N-(2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-39)

    [0379] To a solution of tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate (0.10 g, 0.33 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a pink solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.05 g (40%) of UB-39 as a red solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.44 (s, 1H), 8.54 (dd, J=8.1, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 8.45 (dd, J=10.8, 1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.52 (s, 2H), 4.07 (s, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 167.23, 165.09 (d, J=2.9 Hz), 161.74 (d, J=249.3 Hz), 158.27, 136.24 (d, J=8.7 Hz), 133.05 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 124.10, 122.61 (d, J=15.4 Hz), 114.86 (d, J=24.6 Hz), 43.79 (d, J=3.7 Hz); HPLC-MS [M+H].sup.+ m/z calc. for [C.sub.11H.sub.11FN.sub.5O.sub.2].sup.+: 264.09; Found: 264.08.

    Example 120

    2-(4-Cyanophenyl)-N-(2-fluoroethyl)acetamide (UB-160)

    [0380] To a solution of the 2-(4-cyanophenyl)acetic acid (0.50 g, 3.10 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) was added CDI (0.65 g, 4.03 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature. Subsequently the amine (0.62 g, 6.20 mmol) was added and the reaction stirred overnight. The organic layer was washed with NaHCO.sub.3 saturated solution (2?20 mL), 1 M HCl solution (2?20 mL) and brine (2?20 mL); dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 0.46 g (72%) of UB-160 as a white solid. R.f.: 0.35 (Heptane/EtOAc 30/70); m.p.: 139-141? C.; 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 3.43-3.49 (m, 1H, CH), 3.50-3.59 (m, 3H, Ch+CH.sub.2), 4.35 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 1H, CH), 4.47 (t, J=4.8 Hz, 1H, CH), 5.88 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.34 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H, CH), 7.57 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H, CH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 40.2 (J.sub.CF=19.5 Hz), 43.4, 82.5 (J.sub.CF=166.7 HZ), 111.3, 118.6, 130.1, 132.6, 140.0, 169.6.

    Example 120a

    2-(4-(1,2,4,5-Tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)-N-(2-fluoroethyl)acetamide (UB-163)

    [0381] The compound was obtained from tert-butyl 2-(4-Cyanophenyl)-N-(2-fluoroethyl)acetamide (0.40 g, 1.94 mmol), following General Procedure C. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (30/70 Heptane/EtOAc) to yield 0.15 g of a red solid. The powder was triturated in DCM and filtered to afford 0.21 g (41%) of UB-163 as a pink solid. R.f.=0.22 (Heptane/EtOAc 40/60); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): 3.36 (q, J=5.2 Hz, 1H, CH), 3.43 (q, J=5.2 Hz, 1H, CH), 3.62 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 4.39 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 1H, CH), 5.02 (t, J=5.0 Hz, 1H, CH), 7.57 (d, J=8.2 HZ, 2H, ArH), 8.39-8.49 (m, 3H, NH+ArH), 10.58 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 100 MHz): 40.6 (J.sub.CF=21.2 Hz), 42.6, 82.9 (J.sub.CF=165.0 Hz), 128.1, 130.5, 130.6, 142.0, 158.5, 165.9, 170.3.

    Example 120b

    5-((4-cyano-2-fluorophenyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoic acid (UB-34)

    [0382] To a solution of 3-fluoro-4aminobenzonitrile (1.0 g, 7.34 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20.0 mL) was added under nitrogen glutaric anhydride (0.84 g, 7.34 mmol). The reaction was refluxed 24 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the crude purified by flash chromatography (95/5 DCM/MeOH) to give 1.81 g of a yellow solid. Recrystallization from EtOAc afforded 1.65 g (90%) of UB-34 as a white solid. m.p.: 140-142? C.; 1H-NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): 1.81 (quint, J=7.4 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 2.28 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 2.49 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.65 (dd, J=1.2, 8.6 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.88 (d, J=1.9, 11.0, Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.27 (pseudo t, J=8.2 Hz, 1H, ArH), 10.09 (br s, 1H, NH), 12.07 (br s, 1H, COOH); .sup.13C-NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 100 MHz): 20.7, 33.3, 35.5, 106.3 (J.sub.CF=9.4 Hz), 118.3, 119.8 (J.sub.CF=23.4 Hz), 123.6 (J.sub.CF=2.9 Hz), 129.8 (J.sub.CF=3.5 Hz), 132.0 (J.sub.CF=11.3 Hz), 152.2 (J.sub.CF=247.5 Hz), 172.4, 174.5.

    Example 120c

    5-((2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoic acid (UB-37)

    [0383] 5-((4-Cyano-2-fluorophenyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoic acid (0.80 g, 3.20 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (3.19 mmol, 0.204 mL), sulfur (0.204 g, 0.80 mmol) and ethanol (5.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (1.24 mL, 25.57 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 3 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (2.20 g, 31.97 mmol) in 40 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (14 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 DCM/MeoH) to yield 0.25 g of a red solid. The NMR shows some impurity so the compound was crystallized from EtOH to 0.210 (21%) of UB-37 as a red solid. R.f.=0.27 (DCM/MeoH 95/5); mp=205-207? C.; 1H-NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 400 MHz): 1.83 (quint, J=7.3 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 2.31 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 2.53 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 8.24-8.39 (m, 3H, ArH), 10.07 (br s, 1H, NH), 10.58 (s, 1H, ArH) 12.08 (br s, 1H, COOH); .sup.13C-NMR (DMSO-d.sub.6, 100 MHz): 20.8, 33.4, 35.5, 114.8 (J.sub.CF=22.2 Hz), 123.9 (J.sub.CF=2.4 Hz), 124.7 (J.sub.CF=3.2 Hz), 128.1 (J.sub.CF=7.7 Hz), 131.3 (J.sub.CF=11.3 Hz), 153.4 (J.sub.CF=245.8 Hz), 158.4, 164.9 (J.sub.CF=3.0 Hz), 174.5

    Example 120d

    Tert-butyl 4-cyano-2-fluorobenzylcarbamate (UB-32)

    [0384] 4-(Aminomethyl)-3-fluorobenzonitrile hydrochloride (1.5 g, 8.04 mmol) and triethylamine (2.35 mL, 16.87 mmol) were dissolved in anhydrous DCM (40 mL) at 0? C. To this stirred solution was added di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (2.10 g, 9.64 mmol), and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo, and the residue was re-dissolved in diethyl ether (50 mL), which was washed successively with 0.5 M aq. HCl (2?25 mL), saturated NaHCO.sub.3 (2?25 mL) and brine (25 mL). The organic layer was dried with MgSO.sub.4, filtered and evaporated in vacuo to give an off-white solid. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (Heptane/EtOAc=85/15) to afford 1.51 g (75%) od UB-32 as an orange solid. m.p.: 51-53? C.; 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.47 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 4.42 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 4.99 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.36 (dd, J=1.4, 9.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.42-7.56 (m, 2H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.2, 30.0, 79.8, 112.1 (J.sub.CF=9.5 Hz), 117.4 (J.sub.CF=2.9 Hz), 118.7 (J.sub.CF=25.0 Hz), 128.2 (J.sub.CF=3.9 Hz), 130.1 (J.sub.CF=5.0 Hz), 132.6 (J.sub.CF=15.5 Hz), 156.0, 159.9 (J.sub.CF=249.8 Hz).

    Example 120e

    Tert-butyl 2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzylcarbamate (UB-35)

    [0385] Tert-butyl 4-cyano-2-fluorobenzylcarbamate (1.5 g, 5.99 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (5.99 mmol, 0.38 mL), sulfur (0.38 g, 1.49 mmol) and ethanol (7.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (2.33 mL, 47.94 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 12 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (4.13 g, 59.93 mmol) in 30 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (25 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 Heptane/EtOAc) and recrystallized from Heptane to yield 0.39 g (21%) of UB-35 as a red solid. R.f=0.38 (Heptane/EtOAc 80/20); 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.48 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 4.49 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 5.11 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.60 (pseudo t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.30 (dd, J=1.7, 10.8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.41 (dd, J=1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, ArH), 10.25 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.4, 38.6, 80.0, 115.0 (J.sub.CF=24.5 Hz), 124.1, 130.5, 131.6 (J.sub.CF=15.0 Hz), 132.6 (J.sub.CF=8.5 Hz), 155.8, 157.9, 161.2 (J.sub.CF=247.6 Hz), 165.5.

    Example 120f

    (2-Fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)phenyl)methanamine (UB-38)

    [0386] To a solution of tert-butyl 2-fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzylcarbamate (0.300 g, 0.98 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) was added a solution of HCl in diethyl ether (1.0 M, 20.0 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 72 h. The reaction was then concentrated under reduced pressure to give 0.23 g (97%) of UB-38 as a pink solid. 1H-NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz): 2.17 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.74 (pseudo t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.33 (dd, J=1.6, 10.9 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.43 (dd, J=1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, ArH), 10.34 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (MeOD, 100 MHz): 36.4 (J.sub.CF=4.2 Hz), 114.7 (J.sub.CF=24.5 Hz), 124.1 (J.sub.CF=3.7 Hz), 124.8 (J.sub.CF=15.3 Hz), 132.0 (J.sub.CF=3.5 Hz), 135.6 (J.sub.CF=8.4 Hz), 158.3, 161.4 (J.sub.CF=248.3 Hz), 165.1.

    Example 120g

    5-((2-Fluoro-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)-5-oxopentanoic acid (UB-40)

    [0387] To a solution of UB-38 (0.20 g, 0.83 mmol), and Et.sub.3N (0.34 mL, 2.48 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added glutaric anhydride (0.14 g, 1.24 mmol). The reaction was stirred at 50? C. for 2 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the residue solubilized in water (20 mL). The pH was adjusted to 2 with 1 M HCl and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3?20 mL). The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 0.300 g of crude material (NMR confirmed full conversion). The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (95/5 DCM/MeOH) and crystallized from EtOH to give 0.21 g of UB-40 as a red solid. R.f.=0.21 (DCM/MeoH 95/5); m.p.=147-149? C.; 1H-NMR (CD.sub.3OD, 400 MHz): 1.95 (quint, J=7.4 Hz, 2H, CH.sub.2), 2.37 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 4H, 2?CH.sub.2), 4.52 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.63 (pseudo t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.29 (dd, J=1.7, 11.0 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.41 (dd, J=1.7, 8.1 Hz, 1H, ArH), 10.37 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CD.sub.3OD, 100 MHz): 20.8, 32.7, 34.5, 36.4 (J.sub.CF=4.5 Hz), 114.1 (J.sub.CF=24.6 Hz), 123.6 (J.sub.CF=3.4 Hz), 130.3 (J.sub.CF=4.5 Hz), 130.7 (J.sub.CF=15.1 Hz), 158.0, 161.1 (J.sub.CF=246.6 Hz), 165.4, 174.1, 175.4.

    Example 121

    [0388] ##STR00125##

    1-carboxy-N-(carboxymethyl)-N-(3-iodo-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-164)

    [0389] To a solution of Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-iodo-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3 yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-156) (0.05 g, 0.15 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a pink solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.05 g (62%) of UB-164 as a pink solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.30 (s, 1H), 8.87 (s, 1H), 8.64 (s, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.01 (s, 4H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 168.19, 164.71, 158.23, 143.71, 137.65, 134.59, 134.01, 129.55, 94.51, 57.76, 53.56.

    Example 122

    [0390] ##STR00126##

    1-carboxy-N-(3-iodo-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-240)

    [0391] To a solution of tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-iodo-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate (UB-235) (0.07 g, 0.13 mmol) in DCM (6 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (6 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a pink solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.04 g (65%) of UMB-240 as a pink oil. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.42 (d, J=1.3 Hz, 1H), 9.01 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.76 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 4.40 (s, 2H), 4.02 (s, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 171.21, 168.65, 162.21, 146.63, 141.53, 138.77, 138.15, 132.44, 98.49, 53.50, 50.50.

    Example 123

    Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((4-cyano-2-iodobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-45)

    [0392] To a solution of 4-cyano-2-iodobenzylbromide (2.0 g, 6.21 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (50 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (1.28 g, 9.32 mmol) and the corresponding amine (1.83 g, 7.45 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the resulting mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2?50 mL), washed with brine (30 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give 3.01 g (99%) of UB-45 as a yellow oil. R.f.=0.32 (80/20 Heptane/EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 7.99 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.56 (dd, J=8.0, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 3.38 (s, 4H), 1.39 (s, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 170.28, 147.15, 142.08, 131.71, 130.39, 117.24, 112.49, 98.69, 62.50, 55.72, 28.18.

    Example 123a

    Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((2-iodo-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-46)

    [0393] Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((4-cyano-2-iodobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (3.0 g, 6.17 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (0.39 mL, 6.17 mmol), sulfur (0.39 g, 1.54 mmol) and ethanol (6.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (2.40 mL, 49.34 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed, and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 12 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (4.25 g, 61.68 mmol) in 60 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (30 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was basified with NaHCO.sub.3 saturated solution and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (90/10 heptane/EtoAc) and recrystallized from heptane to yield 0.71 g (21%) of UB-46 as a red solid. R.f.=0.33 (80/20 Heptane/EtOAc); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.16 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1H), 8.53 (dd, J=8.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 3.45 (s, 4H), 1.41 (s, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 170.21, 165.29, 157.90, 146.48, 138.84, 132.03, 130.94, 127.96, 99.98, 81.40, 62.44, 55.58, 28.21.

    Example 123b

    1-Carboxy-N-(carboxymethyl)-N-(2-iodo-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-50)

    [0394] To a solution of di-tert-butyl 2,2-((2-iodo-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (0.14 g, 0.26 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (4 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a pink solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.11 g (78%) of UMB-50 as a pink solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.39 (s, 1H), 9.09 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.64 (dd, J=8.2, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.96 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 3.92 (s, 4H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 170.76, 164.89, 158.11, 142.21, 138.85, 133.82, 131.71, 127.60, 100.50, 62.38, 53.99

    Example 123c

    Tert-butyl 2-((4-cyano-2-iodobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-120)

    [0395] To a solution of 2-iodo-4-cyano-benzylbromide (1.50 g, 4.66 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (40 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (3.22 g, 23.29 mmol) and tert-butylglycinate HCl (2.34 g, 13.98 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the resulting mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2?25 mL), washed with brine (30 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (80/20 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 1.45 g (84%) of UB-120 as a colorless oil. R.f=0.24 (heptane/EtOAc 80/20); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.08 (d, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.53 (m, 2H), 3.85 (s, 2H), 3.33 (s, 2H), 2.02 (s, 1H), 1.48 (s, 9H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 171.29, 147.65, 142.16, 131.76, 129.25, 117.10, 112.45, 98.90, 81.53, 57.47, 51.03, 28.13.

    Example 123d

    Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(4-cyano-2-iodobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-123)

    [0396] To a solution of UB-120 (1.4 g, 3.76 mmol) and Et.sub.3N (1.26 mL, 9.03 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) was added Boc.sub.2O (0.91 g, 4.51 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The solution was then washed with water (50 mL) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 saturated solution (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 2.1 g of the crude. Purification by flash chromatography (90/10 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 1.42 g (80%) of UB-123 as a white solid. R.f.=0.25 (Heptane/EtOAc 80/20); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 8.13-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.42 (m, 1H), 4.58 (s, 1.2H), 4.50 (s, 0.8H), 3.92 (s, 0.8H), 3.79 (s, 1.2H), 1.52-1.43 (m, 11H), 1.41 (s, 4H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.53, 168.47, 155.60, 155.37, 145.86, 145.55, 142.35, 142.30, 131.88, 131.74, 128.58, 127.98, 117.02, 112.71, 97.71, 97.22, 81.90, 81.59 (d, J=83.6 Hz), 81.13, 57.31, 56.91, 50.37, 49.81, 28.21, 28.09.

    Example 123e

    Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(2-iodo-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate (UB-126)

    [0397] Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(4-cyano-2-iodobenzyl)amino)acetate (1.30 g, 2.75 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (0.176 mL, 2.75 mmol), sulfur (0.176 g, 2.75 mmol) and ethanol (3.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (1.10 mL, 22.02 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 3 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (1.89 g, 27.52 mmol) in 30 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (13 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was basified with NaHCO.sub.3 saturated solution and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (85/15 heptane/EtoAc) to yield 0.22 g (15%) of UB-126 as red solid. R.f.=0.24 (Heptane/EtoAc 80/20); .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 10.25 (s, 1H), 9.13-9.03 (m, 1H), 8.70-8.57 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.51 (m, 1H), 4.67 (s, 1.2H), 4.59 (s, 0.8H), 3.97 (s, 0.8H), 3.83 (s, 1.2H), 1.57-1.37 (m, 18H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Chloroform-d) ? 168.67, 168.62, 165.12, 157.95, 155.67, 155.56, 145.45, 145.21, 132.09, 129.07, 128.46, 128.05, 127.92, 98.89, 98.39, 81.87, 81.77, 80.98, 80.90, 57.05, 56.57, 50.08, 49.60, 28.26, 28.11.

    Example 123f

    1-Carboxy-N-(2-iodo-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-138)

    [0398] To a solution of tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(2-iodo-4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate (0.10 g, 0.19 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a pink solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.04 g (43%) of UMB-138 as a pink solid. .sup.1H NMR (400 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 10.32 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.60 (dd, J=8.1, 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (s, 2H), 4.00 (s, 2H); .sup.13C NMR (101 MHz, Methanol-d.sub.4) ? 167.23, 164.65, 158.25, 139.13, 138.52, 134.84, 130.89, 128.04, 100.35, 54.74, 46.93.

    Example 124

    Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((4-cyanobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-14)

    [0399] To a suspension of 4-cyanobenzylamine hydrochloride (0.67 g, 4.00 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) was added triethylamine (2.78 mL, 20.00 mmol) and tert-butylbromoacetate (2.93 mL, 20.00 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The solution was then washed with water (2?20 mL), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by flash chromatography (24 g column, 100% DCM to 98/2 DCM/MeOH) to give 0.85 g (59%) of UB-14 as a colorless oil. 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.39 (br s, 18H, 2?C(CH).sub.3), 3.14 (s, 4H, 2?CH.sub.2), 3.90 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.49 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.54 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.2, 55.2, 57.2, 81.3, 111.1, 119.0, 129.5, 132.2, 144.7, 170.2.

    Example 124a

    Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-16)

    [0400] Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((4-cyanobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (0.85 g, 2.36 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (0.151 mL, 2.36 mmol), sulfur (0.151 g, 0.58 mmol) and ethanol (4.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (0.92 mL, 18.86 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 3 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (1.63 g, 23.58 mmol) in 40 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (14 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was basified with NaHCO.sub.3 saturated solution and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (85/15 heptane/EtoAc) to yield 0.14 g (14%) of UB-16 as a red oil. 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.40 (s, 18H, 3?C(CH.sub.3)), 3.39 (s, 4H, 2?CH.sub.2), 3.96 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.59 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H, ArH), 8.50 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 10.13 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.2, 55.3, 57.3, 81.1, 128.3, 129.8, 130.5, 157.7, 166.4, 170.4.

    Example 124b

    N-(4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)-1-carboxy-N-(carboxymethyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-19)

    [0401] To a solution of di-tert-butyl 2,2-((4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (0.13 g, 0.31 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added TFA (3 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The solvent was then evaporated under reduced pressure to give 0.14 g of crude. NMR confirmed full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC to give 0.035 g (26%) of UB-19 as a red solid. m.p.: 100-102? C.; 1H-NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz): 3.89 (s, 4H, 2?CH.sub.2), 4.36 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.68 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H, ArH), 8.55 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H, ArH), 10.27 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (MeOD, 100 MHz): 53.6, 58.0, 128.2, 131.2, 132.9, 137.5, 158.0, 166.0, 169.5.

    Example 124c

    Tert-butyl 2-((4-cyanobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-15)

    [0402] To a suspension of 4-cyanobenzylamine hydrochloride (0.67 g, 4.00 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) was added triethylamine (1.22 mL, 8.80 mmol) and tert-butylbromoacetate (0.64 mL, 20.00 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The solution was then washed with water (2?20 mL), dried over Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude was purified by flash chromatography (24 g column, 100% DCM to 98/2 DCM/MeOH) to give 0.42 g (43%) of UB-15 as a colorless oil. 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.49 (br s, 9H, C(CH)3), 1.95 (br s, 1H, NH), 3.34 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 3.90 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.48 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H, ArH), 7.64 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.1, 50.4, 52.5, 81.8, 111.2, 118.8, 129.0, 132.3, 144.5, 170.0.

    Example 124d

    N-(4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)-1-carboxymethanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-28)

    [0403] Tert-butyl 2-((4-cyanobenzyl)amino)acetate (0.73 g, 2.96 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (0.190 mL, 2.96 mmol), sulfur (0.19 g, 0.74 mmol) and ethanol (4.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (1.15 mL, 23.71 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 3 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (2.053 g, 29.64 mmol) in 40 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (14 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (80/20 heptane/EtoAc) to yield 0.170 g of tert-butyl 2-((4-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)amino)acetate as a red oil. The compound (0.10 g, 0.33 mmol) was solubilized in DCM (5 mL) and to this mixture was added TFA (3 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The solvent was then evaporated under reduced pressure to give 0.14 g of crude. NMR confirmed full conversion. The compound was crystallized from MeoH to give 0.030 g (37%) of UMB-28 as a pink solid. m.p.: 186-188? C.; 1H-NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz): 4.13 (s, 1.25H, CH.sub.2), 4.89 (s, 0.75H, CH.sub.2), 4.92 (s, 0.75H, CH.sub.2), 5.49 (s, 1.25H, CH.sub.2), 7.33 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 0.75H, ArH), 7.55 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1.25H, ArH), 8.43 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 0.75H, ArH), 8.52 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1.25H, ArH), 10.22 (s, 0.33H, ArH), 10.25 (s, 0.67H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (MeOD, 100 MHz): 45.0, 52.1, 55.7, 128.0, 128.2, 128.9, 129.1, 131.5, 132.3, 139.3, 139.8, 157.89, 157.94, 166.0, 167.3, 169.9.

    Example 124e

    Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-cyanobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-74)

    [0404] To a solution of 3-bromomethylbenzonitrile (1.00 g, 5.10 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (30 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (1.06 g, 7.65 mmol) and the corresponding amine (1.50 g, 6.12 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the resulting mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2?25 mL), washed with brine (30 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (90/10 Heptane/EtOAc) afforded 1.62 g (88%) of UB-74 as a colorless oil. 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.46 (s, 18H, 2?C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 3.39 (s, 4H, 2?CH.sub.2), 3.92 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.42 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.51-7.58 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.64-7.70 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.74 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.1, 55.2, 56.7, 81.2, 112.4, 118.8, 129.1, 131.0, 132.3, 133.3, 140.6, 170.2.

    Example 124f

    Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (UB-77)

    [0405] Di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-cyanobenzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (1.60 g, 4.43 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (0.284 mL, 4.43 mmol), sulfur (0.284 g, 1.11 mmol) and ethanol (4.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (1.73 mL, 35.51 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 3 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (3.06 g, 44.39 mmol) in 40 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (16 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was basified with NaHCO.sub.3 saturated solution and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (85/15 heptane/EtoAc) to yield 0.37 g (20%) of UB-77 as a red oil. R.f.=0.41 (Heptane/EtOAc 80/20); 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.46 (s, 9H, 2?(C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 3.45 (s, 2H, 2?CH.sub.2), 4.02 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.56 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.77 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.85 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.59 (s, 1H, ArH); 10.20 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.2, 55.3, 57.2, 81.1, 127.3, 128.7, 129.4, 131.6, 133.9, 140.3, 157.8, 166.5, 170.4.

    Example 124g

    N-(3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)-1-carboxy-N-(carboxymethyl)methanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-80)

    [0406] To a solution of di-tert-butyl 2,2-((3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)azanediyl)diacetate (0.15 g, 0.36 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a pink solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.08 g (53%) of UMB-80 as a pink solid. 1H-NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz): 4.21 (s, 4H, 2?CH.sub.2), 4.71 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.77 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.88 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.60-8.73 (m, 1H, ArH), 8.8 (s, 1H, ArH), 10.40 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (MeOD, 100 MHz): 53.3, 58.5, 129.3, 130.0, 130.6, 131.1, 133.1, 135.4, 158.1, 165.8, 167.6.

    Example 124h

    Tert-butyl 2-((3-cyanobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-81)

    [0407] To a solution of 3-cyano-benzylbromide (1.80 g, 9.18 mmol) in CH.sub.3CN (40 mL) was added K.sub.2CO.sub.3 (6.34 g, 45.91 mmol) and tert-butylglycinate HCl (4.62 g, 27.54 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the resulting mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), extracted with EtOAc (2?25 mL), washed with brine (30 mL), dried over MgSO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography afforded 1.32 g (58%) of UB-81 as a colorless oil. 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.47 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 3.29 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 3.83 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.43 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.54 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.59 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.66 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.1, 50.8, 52.4, 81.4, 112.5, 118.8, 129.2, 130.8, 131.7, 132.6, 141.4, 171.4.

    Example 124i

    Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-cyanobenzyl)amino)acetate (UB-85)

    [0408] To a solution of tert-butyl 2-((3-cyanobenzyl)amino)acetate (1.16 g, 4.70 mmol) and Et.sub.3N (1.57 mL, 11.30 mmol) in DCM (50 mL) was added Boc.sub.2O (1.23 g, 5.65 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The solution was then washed with water (50 mL) and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 saturated solution (50 mL), dried over anhydrous Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 1.60 g (98%) of UB-85 as a yellow oil. 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.37-1.49 (m, 18H, 2?C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 3.70 (s, 1.25H, CH.sub.2), 3.85 (s, 0.75H, CH.sub.2), 4.48 (s, 0.75H, CH.sub.2), 4.53 (s, 1.25H, CH.sub.2), 7.37-7.60 (m, 4H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.0, 28.2, 49.3, 49.5, 50.9, 51.3, 80.8, 80.9, 81.7, 81.8, 112.6, 118.7, 129.3, 130.8, 131.0, 131.2, 131.8, 132.4, 155.3, 155.6, 168.6.

    Example 124l

    Tert-butyl 2-((3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)acetate (UB-88)

    [0409] Tert-butyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)(3-cyanobenzyl)amino)acetate (1.45 g, 4.18 mmol), CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 (0.268 mL, 4.18 mmol), sulfur (0.268 g, 1.04 mmol) and ethanol (4.0 mL) were mixed together in a 20 ml microwave reaction tube. Hydrazine monohydrate (1.63 mL, 33.48 mmol) was added slowly with stirring afterwards. The vessel was sealed and the reaction mixture was heated to 50? C. for 24 hours. Then 3 ml of CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2 and sodium nitrite (2.88 g, 41.85 mmol) in 40 ml of H.sub.2O were added to the mixture. Excess acetic acid (16 mL) was then added slowly during which the solution turned bright red in color. The reaction mixture was basified with NaHCO.sub.3 saturated solution and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO.sub.4), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was purified using flash chromatography (85/15 heptane/EtoAc) to yield 0.33 g (20%) of UB-88 as red oil (55/45 rotamers mixture). R.f.=0.42 (Heptane/EtOAc 80/20); 1H-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 400 MHz): 1.37 (s, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 1.40-1.45 (m, 9H, C(CH.sub.3).sub.3), 3.69 (s, 1.1H, CH.sub.2), 3.83 (s, 0.9H, CH.sub.2), 4.53 (s, 0.9H, CH.sub.2), 4.59 (s, 1.1H, CH.sub.2), 7.40-7.59 (m, 2H, ArH), 8.36-8.53 (m, 2H, ArH), 10.15 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (CDCl.sub.3, 100 MHz): 28.0, 28.2, 28.3, 49.0, 49.3, 51.1, 51.6, 80.6, 80.7, 81.6, 81.7, 127.29, 127.36, 127.39, 127.5, 129.6, 129.7, 131.8, 131.9, 132.2, 132.9, 155.6, 155.8, 157.8, 157.9, 165.3, 168.81, 168.85.

    Example 124m

    N-(3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)-1-carboxymethanaminium 2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (UB-92)

    [0410] To a solution of tert-butyl 2-((3-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)acetate (0.14 g, 0.36 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (5 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure to obtain a pink solid. NMR of the crude shows full conversion. Purification by preparative HPLC afforded 0.08 g (62%) of UMB-92 as a pink solid. 1H-NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz): 4.03 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 4.46 (s, 2H, CH.sub.2), 7.79 (t, J=7.8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.85 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.72 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.79 (s, 1H, ArH), 10.41 (s, 1H, ArH); .sup.13C-NMR (MeOD, 100 MHz): 46.4, 50.3, 128.9, 129.3, 130.0, 132.2, 133.3, 134.0, 158.1, 165.8, 167.3.

    Example 125 Blocking Assay

    Establishing Tumor Xenografts in Mice (Same Procedure for the Pretargeted PET Imaging)

    [0411] All animal studies were approved by the Danish Animal Welfare Council, ministry of Justice. Five weeks old female nude BALB/c mice (Charles River, Sulzfeld, Germany) were allowed to acclimatize for one week with access to water and chow ad libitum. Human colon cancer cell line (LS174T; obtained from ATCC) was cultured in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 1% L-Glutamine, 1% Sodium pyruvate, 1% non-essential amino acids, and 1% penicillin-streptomycin at 37? C. and 5% CO.sub.2. Cells were harvested by trypsination at a confluence of 70-90% and subcutaneous tumors were established in the left flank of the 6 weeks old animals by inoculation of ?5?10.sup.6 LS174T cells resuspended in sterile PBS (100 ?L) and allowed to grow for 7-10 days. Tumors were measured using a caliper and the volume calculated using the formula volume=?(length?width.sup.2).

    Example 126 Blocking Experiments

    [0412] These blocking experiments were made using the method described in Example 125. Tumor-bearing animals were matched in groups based on their tumor volume (tumor volumes of ?100-300 mm.sup.3, n=3 in each group) and were administered 100 ?g/100 ?L of CC49-TCO (100 ?g/100 ?L, ?7 TCO/mAb) per mouse. After 3 days, animals were injected with non-radioactive Tz (10-20 nmol). 2 hours later, they were administered with [.sup.111In]Q (?13 MBq/100 ?L, 1-2 nmol) via the tail vein. Tz [.sup.111In]Q was radiolabeled as described in literature.sup.9. The mice were euthanized after 22 h and tumor, blood, heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and muscle were resected. All tissues were weighted and the radioactivity measured in a gamma counter (Wizard2, Perkin Elmer) and data was corrected for decay, tissue weight and injected amount of radioactivity. FIG. 3 displays the results. Compounds RGV_52, RGV_55, UB-12, UB-19, UB-28, UB-37, UB-44, UB-39, UB-40, UB-50, UB-138, UB-80, UB-92, UB-108, UB-137 and UB-163 were tested. Results indicate that provide a H-tetrazine compound (with a rate constant of approximately 50,000-90,000 M.sup.?1 s.sup.?1 (determined with standard TCO at 37? C. in PBS) and a lipophilicity of c log D.sub.7.4<?3 result in a normalized blocking effect >70.

    Example 127 Pretargeted Imaging with TCO-Modified mAb (CC49-TCO)

    [0413] Tumor-bearing animals were matched into 4 groups based on their tumor volume (tumor volumes of ?60-180 mm.sup.3, n=3 in each group) and were administered with CC49-TCO (100 ?g/100 ?L, 6.7 nmol) per mouse. After 72 h, the animals were injected via the tail vein with .sup.18F-labeled Tz (UB-108 and UB-137, respectively) (5-10 MBq/100 ?L) was injected via the tail vein. The animals were PET/CT scanned 1 h p.i. of the .sup.18F-labeled Tz and then euthanized. Tumor and blood was collected, weighted and the radioactivity measured in a gamma counter. Data were corrected for decay, tissue weight and injected amount of radioactivity. Static PET images were acquired with an energy window of 350-650 KeV and a time resolution of 6 ns. CT scans were acquired using 360 projections, 65 kV, 500 ?A and 400 ms. PET images were reconstructed using a 3-dimensional maximum a posteriori algorithm with CT-based attenuation correction. PET and CT images were co-registered and analyzed using Inveon software (Siemens). The mean percentage of injected dose per grams of tissue (% ID/g) in the tissue volume was extracted by manually drawing regions of interest (ROI) on the entire tissue. The PET image from a mouse being injected with UB108 is shown in FIG. 12, whereas the PET image from a mouse being injected with UB137 is shown in FIG. 13.

    Radiochemistry Examples

    [0414] Example 128 Production of [.sup.18F]fluoride. [.sup.18F]fluoride was produced via a (p,n)-reaction on a CTI Siemens cyclotron (Rigshospitalet, Denmark) by irradiating [180]H.sub.2O with 11 MeV protons. An anion exchange resin (Sep-Pak Light Waters Accell Plus QMA cartridge) was washed with EtOH (10 mL), 90 mg/mL KOTf (aq) (10 mL) and water (10 mL) and dried with air. Then the aqueous [.sup.18F]fluoride solution was passed through this exchange resin and the resin eluted with a mixture of KOTf (10 mg) and 50 ug K.sub.2CO.sub.3 in 550 ?L water. The resulting mixture was then gently concentrated to dryness at 100? C. by azeotropic drying with 2?ACN (0.6 mL), under a nitrogen stream for 20 min, to give no-carrier-added K[.sup.18F]F complex as a white semi-solid residue. Samples were analyzed by analytical HPLC as previously described, and radioactivity was analyzed using a flow-through GM tube based radiodetector (Scansys). Radiochemical conversion (RCC) of all radiolabeled compounds were determined by analytical HPLC by comparison of the .sup.19F reference compounds synthesised previously. The radiochemical yield (RCY) was determined using the activity of [.sup.18F]fluoride received from the cyclotron at the beginning of the synthesis and that of the purified product and the decomposition was corrected and have been decay corrected.

    [0415] Example 129 General Tetrazine radiolabeling (manual synthesis). The preparation of the final compound, was performed using a method described previously, with minor modifications according to the optimization results described below..sup.[10] The organotin precursor (0.01 mmol) was dissolved in 0.8 mL DMA and added 0.1 mL of stock solutions of Cu(OTf).sub.2 (7.2 mg, 0.02 mmol in 0.1 mL DMA) and pyridine (12 ?L, 0.15 mmol in 0.1 mL DMA). This mixture was added to the dried [.sup.18F]FK and heated to 100? C. for 5 min. The mixture was cooled down before quenched with 1 ml of water. Samples were analysed via Radio-HPLC to determine the radiochemical conversion of [.sup.18F]-Tz (decay corrected).

    [0416] Example 130 General Tetrazine radiolabeling (automated synthesis). Automated synthesis was performed on a Scansys Laboratorieteknik synthesis module. The same procedure was used as in the optimization with minor differences. A solution of the organotin precursors (0.01 mmol), Cu(OTf).sub.2 (7.2 mg, 0.02 mmol), and pyridine (12 ?L, 0.15 mmol) in 1 mL DMA was added to a reaction vial containing the dried fluoride and the reaction allowed to proceed at 100? C. for 5 minutes. The solution was then cooled to 40? C. with compressed air before quenched with 2 ml of water. The crude reaction was then purified via semi-preparative HPLC (Thermo Fisher UltiMate 3000) with a C-18 column (Luna 5 ?m C18(2) 100 ?, 250 mm?10 mm) used an isocratic method (with different H.sub.2O:ACN solvent mixtures for each product, flowrate 4 mL/min). Identification and purity were determined by analytical HPLC.

    Example 131 Labeling of UB108 and UB137

    [0417] Production of [.sup.18F]fluoride. [.sup.18F]fluoride was produced via a (p,n)-reaction on a CTI Siemens cyclotron (Rigshospitalet, Denmark) by irradiating [180]H.sub.2O with 11 MeV protons. An anion exchange resin (Sep-Pak Light Waters Accell Plus QMA cartridge) was washed with EtOH (10 mL), 90 mg/mL KOTf (aq) (10 mL) and water (10 mL) and dried with air. Then the aqueous [.sup.18F]fluoride solution was passed through this exchange resin and the resin eluted with a mixture of KOTf (10 mg) and 50 ug K.sub.2CO.sub.3 in 550 ?L water. The resulting mixture was then gently concentrated to dryness at 100? C. by azeotropic drying with 2?ACN (0.6 mL), under a nitrogen stream for 20 min, to give no-carrier-added K[.sup.18F]F complex as a white semi-solid residue. Samples were analyzed by analytical HPLC as previously described, and radioactivity was analyzed using a flow-through GM tube based radiodetector (Scansys).

    [0418] Example 132 Labeling of UB108 and UB137 (manual synthesis). The preparation of the final compound was performed using a method described previously, with minor modifications according to the optimization results described below..sup.[10] The organotin precursor (0.01 mmol) was dissolved in 0.8 mL DMA and added 0.1 mL of stock solutions of Cu(OTf).sub.2 (7.2 mg, 0.02 mmol in 0.1 mL DMA) and pyridine (12 ?L, 0.15 mmol in 0.1 mL DMA). This mixture was added to the dried [.sup.18F]FK and heated to 100? C. for 5 min. The mixture was cooled down before quenched with 1 ml of water. The reaction mixture was diluted with 10 ml of H.sub.2O and then put through a Sep-Pak Plus 18 cartridge (SPE) preconditioned by flushing with 10 mL of EtOH followed by 10 mL of H.sub.2O. The SPE was eluted with 3 mL of ACN into a vial containing 1 mL TFA. The mixture containing the protected product was heated during 15 minutes at 80 ?C for fully deprotection. The mixture was cooled down and the sample was analysed via Radio-HPLC to determine the final radiochemical conversion of [.sup.18F]-Tz.

    [0419] Example 133 Labeling of UB-108 and UB-137 (automated synthesis for animal experiments). Automated synthesis was performed on a Scansys Laboratorieteknik synthesis module. The same procedure was used as in manual synthesis (Example 132) with minor differences. A solution of the organotin precursors (0.01 mmol), Cu(OTf).sub.2 (7.2 mg, 0.02 mmol), and pyridine (12 ?L, 0.15 mmol) in 1 mL DMA was added to a reaction vial containing the dried fluoride and the reaction allowed to proceed at 100? C. for 5 minutes. The solution was then cooled to 40? C. with compressed air before quenched with 3 ml of water. The reaction mixture was diluted then put through a Sep-Pak Plus 18 cartridge (SPE) preconditioned by flushing with 10 mL of EtOH followed by 10 mL of H.sub.2O. The SPE was wash with 10 mL water and dry with air, then was eluted with 3 mL of ACN into a vial containing 1 mL TFA. The mixture containing the protected product was heated during 15 minutes at 80 ?C for fully deprotection. The crude was heated to 100? C. to evaporate the ACN/TFA mixture. The solution was then cooled to 40? C. with compressed air before the addition of 3 mL of water. The crude reaction was then purified via semi-preparative HPLC (Thermo Fisher UltiMate 3000) with a C-18 column (Luna 5 ?m C18(2) 100 ?, 250 mm?10 mm) using an isocratic method (15% EtOH in water 0.1% TFA, flowrate 4 mL/min). The collected fraction from HPLC was diluted with 0.1 M phosphate buffer to pH 7.4, and the concentration of radioactivity and ethanol was adjusted by diluting with saline solution to a final concentration of 100-50 MBq/mL and ?5% vol. EtOH respectively. The automated synthesis including [.sup.18F]fluoride collection, azeotropic drying, labeling, HPLC separation and formulation was carried out within 90 minutes.

    Example 134 TCO Click Ability

    [0420] To a solution of TCO 500 ?L (1 mg/mL) PBS was added 100 uL of the formulated .sup.18F-tetrazine (UB108/UB137). The solution was injected in the analytical HPLC to determine the fraction of tetrazines reacted to the TCO. All the tetrazines reacted immediately with the TCO (FIG. 11).

    Example 135 HPLC Tests

    [0421] Radio-HPLC tracer of the purified compounds, following the general procedure for the automated synthesis of the tetrazines describe in Example 130 and 133, with authentic UV references overlaid are shown below. The solid red line indicates the radio-HPLC trace and the solid black line indicates the UV trace for the cold reference material. All samples were run using analytical HPLC method: Thermo Fisher UltiMate 3000 with a C-18 column (Luna 5 ?m C18(2) 100 ?, 150 mm?4.6 mm). Eluents: A, H.sub.2O with 0.1% TFA; B, MeCN with 0.1% TFA. Gradient from 100% A to 100% B over 12 minutes, back to 100% A over 3 min, flow rate 2 mL/min. Detection by UV absorption at ?=254 nm on a UVD 170U detector.

    Example 136 Calculation of c Log D.SUB.7.4

    [0422] Distribution coefficient at physiological pH (7.4) were calculated in Chemicalize 2019, ChemAxon. Values are displayed in FIG. 3.

    Example 137 Synthesis of Q

    [0423] Q was prepared as previously described in Rossin, R.; Verkerk, P. R.; van den Bosch, S. M.; Vulders, R. C.; Verel, I.; Lub, J.; Robillard, M. S. In vivo chemistry for pretargeted tumor imaging in live mice. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2010, 49, 3375-3378

    Example 138 Rate Constant Determinations

    [0424] Reaction kinetics of the Tz-derivatives were determined by pseudo-first order measurements in dioxane at 25.0?0.1? C. or PBS at 27.0?0.1? ? C. in a SX20 stopped flow photometer (Applied Photophysics). The pseudo first order rate constant was determined by linearization of the decay curve followed by linear fitting. The second order rate constant was calculated from the pseudo-first order rate constant. FIG. 3 displays the results.

    Example 139 Pretargeted PET Imaging

    [0425] The shelf stability of UB-108 was assessed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) by analytical-HPLC. UB-108 did not show degradation in PBS after 12 h at 37? C. at a concentration of 2 nmol/mL (98%). Consequently, the stannane precursor was synthesized in 4 steps (example 98-101 Radiolabeling succeeded in a one-pot, two-step sequence with a RCY (d.c.) of 11?3% (n=4) and an overall synthesis time of ca. 90 minutes including synthesis, separation and formulation. [.sup.18F]-UB108 was obtained with an Am of 134?22 GBq/?mol (d.c.), a RCP of ?99% (n=4) and an activity yield of 600-700 MBq (EOS) starting from ?12 GBq fluoride-18. [.sup.18F]-UB108 was stable in PBS at room temperature for minimum 4 h and rapidly reacted with TCO-PNP carbonate (23) as confirmed by radio-HPLC. Residual amounts of Cu and Sn in the final formulated solution were analyzed by ICP-MS and found to be well below the allowed limits specified in the ICH Guidelines (41-60 and 2.3-3.0 ?g/L vs. 300 and 600 ?g/day, respectively).

    [0426] The performance of [.sup.18F]-UB108 as prepared in Example 97 was tested in pretargeted PET imaging (FIG. 14A). Balb/c nude mice bearing LS174T tumor xenografts (n=3 per group) were injected i.v. with either CC49-TCO (100 ?g, 3.9 nmol, ?7 TCO/mAb) or non-modified CC49 (control). After 72 h, [.sup.18F]-UB108 (2.86?0.99 MBq/100 ?L) was administered and the mice were PET/CT scanned after 1 h. Image-derived uptake in tumor, heart (surrogate for blood) and muscle tissue was quantified as percentage injected dose per gram (mean % ID/g), (FIGS. 14B, C, D and E). After completion of the scan, mice were euthanized and ex vivo biodistribution was performed. After completion of the scan, the mice were euthanized and different tissues were resected, weighted, and the radioactivity measured using a gamma counter (Wizard2, Perkin Elmer). Data was corrected for decay, tissue weight and injected amount of radioactivity. Mice pretreated with CC49-TCO demonstrated a mean tumor uptake of [.sup.18F]-UB108 of 0.99?0.14% ID/g (mean?S.E.M.). The tracer displayed good target-to-background ratios with muscle uptake <0.15% ID/g for all animals (Table 3). This was also evident from PET/CT images, where tumor uptake in the CC49-TCO group was clearly visible (FIG. 14E). The mean tumor-to-blood ratio was 0.9, and thereby the specific uptake is similar to what was previously reported for other pretargeted imaging agents in the same tumor model..sup.[21] In contrast, a mean tumor-to-muscle ratio of 10 was detected which in fact is significantly higher compared to what has previously been found for the state-of-the-art Tz-based imaging agents [.sup.111In]Q and [.sup.64Cu]Cu-NOTA-PEG7-H-Tzin a similar pretargeting set-up (LS174T bearing mice, using CC49-TCO 72 h prior to tracer injection, similar imaging timeframes) (FIGS. 14C and D). However, [.sup.18F]-UB108 showed a 3 to 5-fold lower tumor uptake compared to those imaging agents (FIG. 14E). All tissues including tumors showed low .sup.18F-uptake in control animals (CC49) (tumor uptake of 0.05?0.04% ID/g). The findings from the imaging experiment were confirmed by ex vivo biodistribution data (Table 4). Except for the tumor, the only tissue, where the tracer uptake was significant, was blood. This accumulation is likely caused by the in vivo ligation of [.sup.18F]-UB108 to CC49-TCO still circulating in the bloodstream. An observation that has been reported before for other pretargeting pairs. If residual mAbs are removed from the blood pool by e.g. a clearing agent, subsequent injection of [.sup.18F]-UB108 will likely result in an improved tumor-to-blood ratio.

    Example 140 Testing In Vivo Applicability of Tetrazines with Different Lipophilicity

    [0427] A structurally diverse library of 45 Tz-derivatives was prepared (FIG. 15), covering a wide spectrum of physicochemical properties, in particular calculated TPSAs between 60-350 ?2 and different lipophilicities, with calculated log D.sub.7.4 values (c log D.sub.7.4) ranging from approximately ?7.0 to 2.5 (Table 5). The Tz-scaffolds (A-L) include mono- and disubstituted methyl-, phenyl-, 2-pyrimidyl-, and 2-pyridyl-substituted Tz-derivatives with second-order rate constants for the reaction with TCO ranging from 1.4 to 230 M.sup.?1 s.sup.?1 in 1,4-dioxane at 25? C., and from 1,100 to 73,000 M.sup.?1 s.sup.?1 in buffered aqueous solution at 37? C. FIG. 15 provides an overview of the synthesized Tz-library and Table 5 displays the measured rate constants and calculated physicochemical properties of each Tz. Several compounds were obtained as copper(II) complexes (for details see the Supporting Information), which was taken into account in the calculation of c log D.sub.7.4 and TPSA. The distribution coefficient at physiological pH (log D.sub.7.4) and TPSA were calculated using the software Chemicalize. Tetrazines conjugated to DOTA were calculated with chelated trivalent cations, Tzs with other chelators with bivalent cations. Second-order rate constants for the Tz scaffolds A-L were determined by stopped-flow spectrophotometry (n?4), monitoring the reaction of representative tetrazines with unsubstituted trans-cyclooctene (TCO) at 25? C. in 1,4-dioxane, and with TCO-PEG4 (modified TCO-5ax-OH, minor-TCO) in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DBPS) at 37? C. n?3.

    [0428] The assay was inspired by receptor blocking experiments and based on the pretargeted imaging approach reported by Rossin et al. An .sup.111In-labeled Tz [.sup.111In]Q was used in pair with TCO-modified CC49, a non-internalizing mAb that targets the tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG72), as a benchmark model for the in vivo ligation.

    [0429] The TCO-modification of CC49 was carried out according to Rossin et al. To study the in vivo ligation performance of Tz-derivatives 1a-45a, BALB/c mice bearing LS174T colon carcinoma xenografts were injected intravenously (i.v.) with CC49-TCO 72 h prior to i.v. injection of the unlabeled Tz, followed by administration of [.sup.111In]Q 1 h later. The animals were euthanized after 22 h and an ex vivo biodistribution was carried out to quantify the tumor uptake of [111 In]Q (FIG. 15). The efficiency of the in vivo ligation of the unlabeled Tz can thus be correlated to a reduced uptake of [111 In]Q (FIG. 15). As a control, blocking was performed using the non-radioactive precursor of [.sup.111In]Q, which blocked ?99% of the [.sup.111In]Q tumor uptake. A group of CC49-TCO pretreated mice were injected exclusively with [.sup.111In]Q (without blocking) and the determined uptake was used as reference value (100%) to normalize the observed changes in tumor uptake in blocking experiments.

    [0430] FIG. 16A displays the blocking assay and FIG. 16B summarizes the results for the entire Tz-library in the assay. The highest blocking efficiencies (95-99%) were observed for the Tz-chelator conjugates 4a, 24a, 35a and Q, the Tz-carboxylic acids 33a and 39a, the Tz-PEG derivative 40a, and the Tz-sugar conjugate 45a. All of these probes include H-phenyl-, pyrimidyl-phenyl-, or bis(pyridyl)-Tz-scaffolds with second-order rate constants for the reaction with TCO of >70 M 1 s 1 (1,4-dioxane, 25? C.) or of >39,000 M 1 s 1 (DPBS, 37? C.) (cf. Table 5). Next, potential correlations between the blocking effect, the c log D.sub.7.4 and the TPSA, as well as IEDDA reactivity were investigated. High IEDDA reactivity was shown to directly correlate with the blocking effect and thus confirmed to be a key parameter for the in vivo ligation performance of Tz derivatives (FIG. 16C, 16D). We did not observe a strong correlation between the blocking effect and TPSA. However, a distinct relationship between c log D.sub.7.4 values and the blocking effect was evidently observed when comparing Tz-derivatives with similar IEDDA reactivity (FIG. 16C, 16D). For all Tz-scaffolds a Pearson's correlation coefficient >0.78 was found. Our results show that high IEDDA reactivity (>50,000 M.sup.?1 s.sup.?1) and a c log D.sub.7.4 of ?3 or lower are strong indicators for high in vivo ligation performance of Tz-derivatives in pretargeting approaches using the described tumor model (FIG. 16A). The blocking effect of non-radiolabeled Tz was determined as the change in tumor uptake of [111 In]Q 22 h p.i. Each Tz was administered 1 h prior to [111 In]Q and the uptake normalized to a group of animals were no blocking was performed (control). Data represent mean from n=3 mice/group. Correlation of blocking effect and c log D.sub.7.4 for Tz-derivatives with similar IEDDA reactivity (as shown in FIGS. 16C and D) where data was fitted to exponential growth equation Y=Y0 ekx (dotted line). The statistical analysis of the correlation between tumor uptake and c log D.sub.7.4 for the different groups of Tz-derivatives (shown in Table 7) was obtained by Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) which describes the goodness of fit between the blocking effect and c log D.sub.7.4. Notes: a Reaction of representative Tz with unsubstituted TCO; Reaction of representative Tz with TCO-PEG4; Measured for Tz-scaffold A only; n.d.=not determined.

    Experimental Design of a [.SUP.18.F]Tz Library

    [0431] In order to verify that the results from the blocking study can be used to predict the outcome for in vivo PET imaging, 18 Tz-derivatives from the first library were selected. The selection was based on criteria such as, the possibility for .sup.18F-labeling, structural diversity, lipophilicities and distinct IEDDA reactivities. For this purpose, we decided to use an indirect radiolabeling approach, enabling the combination of different building blocks to rapidly access a series of .sup.18F-labeled Tz-derivatives. The Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition (CuAAC) appeared to be suitable in this respect, as it allows for fast and efficient radiolabeling under mild reaction conditions. Six precursor Tz-alkynes (I-VI) were prepared and reacted with three .sup.18F-labeled azides ([.sup.18F]Az1-Az3) to obtain 18 different [.sup.18F]Tz-probes (FIG. 17). Notes to Table 6 showing the results obtained: .sup.aRCYs were decay-corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity for the respective azide or *RCY was determined starting from .sup.18F. .sup.bMolar activities (Am) differ due to the use of different cyclotrons. .sup.cRCP was determined by radio-HPLC. .sup.dIn vivo stability of [.sup.18F]Tz was assessed by determining the fraction (%) of radioactivity corresponding to intact compound after 30 min (n=4) from radio-TLC analysis. n.d.=not determined.

    Indirect .SUP.18.F-Labeling of a Tz Series Via Cu-Catalyzed Click Chemistry

    [0432] Azide building blocks were .sup.18F-labeled using fully automated procedures to afford [.sup.18F]Az1-[.sup.18F]Az3 and Tz-alkynes I-VI were synthesized. Subsequent radiolabeling via the CuAAC was achieved in various yields, up to approximately 70% (Table 6). Applied conditions for the CuAAC differed depending on the substituents attached to the Tz-scaffold. In general, radiolabeling was carried out at room temperature with reaction times of 10-15 min using aqueous solutions of CuSO.sub.4, sodium ascorbate and disodium bathophenanthroline disulfonate (BPDS). For the synthesis of the bis(pyridyl) Tz-derivatives [.sup.18F]25a, [.sup.18F]44a and [.sup.18F]45a, increased amounts of the catalysts, longer reaction times (20-25 min) and elevated temperatures (120? C.) were required in order to reach radiochemical conversions (RCCs) of ?70%. A possible reason for the harsher conditions required for this scaffold may be a result from coordination of Cu by the bis(pyridyl)-Tz moiety. Radiochemical yields (RCYs) and molar activities (Am) for all .sup.18F-labeled Tz-derivatives are presented in Table 6. Radiochemical purities (RCPs) of the isolated compounds were high (>90%), except for [.sup.18F]25a and [.sup.18F]26a (83-85%) due to radiolysis (observed for [.sup.18F]25a), undesired decomposition, and difficult separation of the resulting byproducts. During the radiolabeling partial reduction of [.sup.18F]19a and [.sup.18F]44a to the corresponding dihydro-Tz was observed. However, these Tz-derivatives were reoxidized using phenyliodonium diacetate (PIDA). In the case of [.sup.18F]44a, complete reduction to the dihydro-Tz (using ascorbic acid) and reoxidation upon purification was applied to prevent radiolysis. Excess PIDA and byproducts were removed during solid-phase extraction to obtain [.sup.18F]44a in a RCP of 98% (Table 6). Moreover, during the synthesis of [.sup.18F]45a an alternative deprotection method for the azide ([.sup.18F]Az3) was required to avoid decomposition of the Tz-scaffold during the CuAAC. All .sup.18F-labeled Tz-derivatives were formulated in 0.9% saline prior further studies. Overall, radiofluorination via the CuAAC allowed for the preparation of a structurally diverse series of .sup.18F-labeled Tz-derivatives. In contrast to routinely used direct radiofluorination methods, this building block approach gave access to highly reactive [.sup.18F]Tz-probes, using Tz-scaffolds that have previously been reported to be inaccessible.

    In Vivo Stability of .SUP.18.F-Labeled Tz-Derivatives in Na?ve Mice

    [0433] Next, we investigated whether there is a relationship between the in vivo stability of Tz-derivatives and their blocking ability. Fifteen .sup.18F-labeled tetrazines were studied in na?ve mice. Blood was collected after 30 min, and plasma samples were analyzed by radio-TLC for stability assessment (Table 6). Interestingly, the in vivo stability had only a limited or even no effect on the in vivo ligation performance as evaluated in the blocking study (cf. Table 5). Consequently, six [.sup.18F]Tz ([.sup.18F]1a, [.sup.18F]3a, [.sup.18F]19a, [.sup.18F]26a, [.sup.18F]44a, and [.sup.18F]45a) were selected for further in vivo studies solely based on the IEDDA-reactivity (second-order rate constants between 72 and 230 M.sup.?1s.sup.?1) and lipophilicity (c log D.sub.7.4 between ?1.53 and 2.10). These radiolabeled Tz-probes were used to investigate if the results from the blocking assay can be translated to pretargeted PET imaging at tracer doses.

    Pretargeted PET Imaging

    [0434] Of the six Tz-probes selected for evaluation in pretargeted PET imaging studies, four compounds (3a, 19a, 44a and 45a) showed a good to excellent blocking effect (72-99%), while two probes (1a and 26a) only showed limited effect (9% for 1a and 30% for 26a). The latter were included to verify that blocking results can reliably be used to predict the capability of radiolabeled Tz for pretargeted in vivo chemistry.

    [0435] Mice (n=3-4 per group) were injected i.v. with either CC49-TCO or 0.9% saline (control experiments). After 72 h, .sup.18F-labeled Tz (5-10 MBq) were administered and the mice were PET/CT-scanned 1 h p.i. A 3D region of interest (ROI) was created on the entire tumor volume, as well as heart and muscle tissue, and the uptake was quantified as percentage of the injected dose per gram (mean % ID/g), tumor-to-blood (T/B) and tumor-to-muscle (T/M) ratios (FIG. 18A-D). FIG. 18 (A) is a schematic illustration of the pretargeting experiment and the research question: Is there a correlation between the blocking effect and the PET imaging contras. (B) Image-derived mean uptake values are presented as percentage of the injected dose per gram (% ID/g) in tumor. (C) Tumor-to-muscle (T/M) ratios (n=4 mice, except for [.sup.18F]3, n=3). Data is represented as mean?S.D. (*p<0.05 and *** p<0.001). For all groups n=4 mice (except [.sup.18F]3a where n=3) (D) Correlation between the blocking effect of the unlabeled Tz-derivatives 1a, 3a, 19a, 26a, 44a, and 45a and the T/M-ratios for the corresponding .sup.18F-labeled compounds observed by in vivo pretargeted PET imaging. A strong correlation was found (linear regression: R2=0.78, p=0.019, n=6). Data is represented as mean?S.D. The asterisk indicates significant difference (* p<0.05 and *** p<0.001) when compared to control. (E) Representative images of PET scans 1 h p.i. of the radiolabeled Tz ([.sup.18F]1a, [.sup.18F]3a, [.sup.18F]19a, [.sup.18F]26a, [.sup.18F]44a and [.sup.18F]45a) in pretargeted PET imaging studies (T indicates the position of the tumor). [.sup.18F]3a, [.sup.18F]19a and [.sup.18F]45a displayed specific tumor uptake and the tumor is clearly visualized in the PET image.

    [0436] The tumor uptake of the different .sup.18F-labeled Tz-probes was at a rather similar level, however, [.sup.18F]3a, [.sup.18F]19a and [.sup.18F]45a showed a significantly increased tumor accumulation in mice pretreated with CC49-TCO compared to control animals (FIGS. 18A and 18E). In accordance with blocking results, no significant difference in tumor uptake between pretargeting experiments and controls for [.sup.18F]1a and [.sup.18F]26a. In the case of [.sup.18F]44a, no increase in tumor accumulation was observed in mice pretreated with TCO-modified mAb. However, this Tz showed higher radioactivity levels in the heart in mice pretreated with CC49-TCO compared to controls (2.5?0.7% ID/g and 1.5?0.2% ID/g, respectively; FIG. 18B). This indicates that [.sup.18F]44a binds to mAb still circulating in the blood pool. This difference was also observed for the three .sup.18F-labeled Tz-derivatives showing specific tumor accumulation ([.sup.18F]3a, [.sup.18F]19a and [.sup.18F]45a), but not for the non-accumulating probes [.sup.18F]1a and [.sup.18F]26a (FIG. 18B). Binding to residual mAb in the blood pool is a frequently reported challenge in pretargeted imaging approaches, and has been addressed by the development of clearing agents. However, ligation in blood did not hinder the investigation of the in vivo ligation performance of .sup.18F-labeled Tz-probes in comparison to blocking efficiencies.

    [0437] Finally, the relationship between the in vivo performance of the used Tz-probes and the results obtained from the blocking assay was investigated. A strong correlation was found between the blocking effect of the unlabeled Tz and the T/M ratio (FIG. 18D) as well as the selective tumor uptake (tumor to tumor-control (T/Tc) ratio) of the respective .sup.18F-labeled probes in pretargeted PET imaging studies. These significant relationships confirm the validity of the blocking assay, and our finding that reduced lipophilicity and high IEDDA reactivity are key parameters for the in vivo performance of Tz-derivatives. Our results show that low lipophilicity enhances the ability of the bioorthogonal Tz-agent to bind to TCO-mAbs at the tumor site. Moreover, faster excretion of radiolabeled probes, which is crucial for obtaining high tumor-to-background ratios is also facilitated by low lipophilicity of Tz-derivatives (FIG. 18).

    Tables

    [0438]

    TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Product scope regarding the tetrazine scaffold, relative to the optimized radiolabeling condition of the Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [00127]embedded image [00128]embedded image [00129]embedded image [00130]embedded image [00131]embedded image [00132]embedded image [00133]embedded image [00134]embedded image [.sup.18F]Tz1 [.sup.18F]W [.sup.18F]E [.sup.18F]R [.sup.18F]T [.sup.18F]Y [.sup.18F]U [.sup.18F]-9 RCC.sup.[a] (%) 30 ? 5 28 ? 1 30 ? 5 31 ? 2 .sup.[d] 18 ? 4 .sup.[d] 11 ? 1 RCY.sup.[b] (%) 23 ? 1 26 ? 2 23 ? 2 24 ? 3 .sup.[d] .sup.[d] 11 ? 3 k.sub.2 [M.sup.?1s.sup.?1].sup.[c] 2.25 nd 18 30 106 159 206 222 RCP.sup.[a] (%) ?99 ?99 ?99 ?99 .sup.[d] 99 .sup.[d] 99 .sup.[a]Radiochemical conversion (RCC) and Radiochemical purity (RCP) were determined by radio-HPLC (n = 3). .sup.[b]Radiochemical yield (RCY) was decay corrected to the starting amount of radioactivity received from the cyclotron and the isolated product without formulation step (n = 3). .sup.[c]Second order rate constants estimated from stopped-flow measurements of the alkyne-Tz building block with TCO at 25? C. in ACN. .sup.[d]No product formed or could not be isolated.

    TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Product scope in respect to the substitution pattern when including different linkers in the aromatic ring, relative to the Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. [00135]embedded image Position Position Substituents 4 5 6 4 5 6 CH.sub.3 .sup.[a] 14 ? 3.sup.[d] .sup.[c] UB-007 UB-052 RGV_117 OCH.sub.3 4 ? 1 17 ? 3.sup.[d] .sup.[c] UB-008 UB-048 RGV_116 NHCOCH.sub.3 .sup.[a] 31 ? 3.sup.[d] .sup.[b] UB-148 UB-150 CONHCH.sub.3 .sup.[a] .sup.[d] .sup.[b] UB-198 UB-200 CONH.sub.2 .sup.[a] .sup.[d] .sup.[b] UB-22 UB-70 .sup.[a]Stannate precursor could not be synthesized. .sup.[b]No tetrazine formation detected. .sup.[c]Decomposition during Cu-mediated .sup.18F-fluorination reaction. .sup.[d]RCCs were determined by radio-HPLC (n = 3).

    TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Image derived uptake values of [.sup.18F]UB-108 in pretargeted experiments CC49-TCO CC49 (mean % ID/g). (mean % ID/g). n = 3 n = 3 Tumor 0.99 ? 0.15 0.05 ? 0.04 Heart 1.15 ? 0.16 0.04 ? 0.00 Muscle 0.09 ? 0.04 0.02 ? 0.02

    TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Wellcounter data of ex vivo uptake values of [18F]UB-108 in pretargeted experiments. CC49-TCO CC49 (mean % ID/g). (mean % ID/g). n = 3 n = 3 Tumor 1.85 ? 0.21 0.06 ? 0.02 Blood 1.25 ? 0.02 0.06 ? 0.00 Heart 0.27 ? 0.01 0.02 ? 0.00 Lung 0.51 ? 0.03 0.06 ? 0.00 Liver 0.49 ? 0.02 0.10 ? 0.01 Spleen 0.32 ? 0.02 0.02 ? 0.00 Kidney 0.47 ? 0.02 0.26 ? 0.01 Muscle 0.12 ? 0.03 0.03 ? 0.02

    TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Calculated physicochemical properties (TPSA and clogD7.4), measured second-order rate constants for the ligation with TCO, and blocking efficiencies of the Tz-derivatives shown in FIG. 15. Rate Rate % Tumor constant constant Uptake (1,4-dioxane, (DPBS, Blocking of [.sup.111In]46 TPSA.sup.a 25? C., M.sup.?1 37? C., M.sup.?1 effect after Tz Tz-scaffold R clogD.sub.7.4.sup.a (?.sup.2) s.sup.?1).sup.b s.sup.?1).sup.b (%).sup.c blocking 1a A I 0.29 91 72 39,000 9 91 2a A II ?0.06 119 72 39,000 4 96 3a A III ?1.53 161 72 39,000 80 20 4a A IV ?2.86 217 72 39,000 95 5 5a B I 0.89 91 1.4 1,100 9 91 6a B II 0.54 119 1.4 1,100 1 99 7a B III ?0.93 161 1.4 1,100 13 87 8a B IV ?5.81 221 1.4 1,100 49 51 9a C V ?2.19 114 1.4 1,100 14 86 10a C VI 2.05 214 1.4 1,100 32 68 11a C VII ?3.2 184 1.4 1,100 34 66 12a D I 1.89 104 13 n.d. 0 100 13a D II 1.53 132 13 n.d. 0 100 14a D III 0.06 174 13 n.d. 24 76 15a D VIII ?1.98 111 13 n.d. 78 22 16a D IX ?6.65 167 13 n.d. 79 21 17a E I 0.65 82 200 60,000 0 100 18a E II 0.29 109 200 60,000 28 72 19a E III ?1.18 152 200 60,000 76 24 20a E IV ?2.46 208 200 60,000 94 6 21a F X ?1.97 114 83 n.d. 87 13 22a F XI 0.64 134 83 n.d. 27 73 23a F XII 0.12 126 83 n.d. 72 28 24a F XIII ?4.2 278 83 n.d. 96 4 25a G I 2.46 137 230 73,000 16 84 26a G II 2.10 164 230 73,000 30 70 27a G III 0.63 207 230 73,000 51 49 28a H XIV 1.11 90 210 58,000 45 55 29a H XV ?0.14 78 210 58,000 55 45 30a H XVI ?0.18 63 210 58,000 62 38 31a H XVII ?0.41 80 210 58,000 60 40 32a H XVIII ?3.03 100 210 58,000 86 14 33a H XIX ?6.89 129 210 58,000 97 3 34a H XX ?4.4 202 210 58,000 95 5 35a.sup.d H XXI ?5.16 320 210 58,000 96 4 36a I 1.79 61 10 n.d. 0 100 37a K XXII ?0.77 129 230 73,000 76 24 38a K XXIII ?2.23 161 230 73,000 83 17 39a K XXIV ?2.37 143 230 73,000 96 4 40a K XXV ?3.81 263 230 73,000 97 3 Q K XXVI ?4.13 362 230 73,000 99 1 42a K XXVII 1.62 129 230 73,000 75 25 43a L I 0.84 137 230 73,000 67 33 44a L II 0.48 164 230 73,000 72 28 45a L III ?0.99 207 230 73,000 99 1 Notes: .sup.aThe distribution coefficient at physiological pH (logD.sub.7.4) and TPSA were calculated using the software Chemicalize. Tetrazines conjugated to DOTA were calculated with chelated trivalent cations, Tzs with other chelators with bivalent cations. .sup.bSecond-order rate constants for the Tz scaffolds A-L were determined by stopped-flow spectrophotometry (n ? 4), monitoring the reaction of representative tetrazines with unsubstituted trans-cyclooctene (TCO) at 25? C. in 1,4-dioxane, and with TCO-PEG.sub.4 (modified TCO-5ax-OH, minor-TCO) in Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DBPS) at 37? C. .sup.cn ? 3; (see Supporting Information, Table S1 and Table S2). .sup.dData gained from Molecules 2021, 26, 544.

    TABLE-US-00006 R Structure I [00136]embedded image II [00137]embedded image III [00138]embedded image IV [00139]embedded image V [00140]embedded image VI [00141]embedded image VII [00142]embedded image VIII [00143]embedded image IX [00144]embedded image X OH XI [00145]embedded image XII [00146]embedded image XIII [00147]embedded image XIV [00148]embedded image XV [00149]embedded image XVI [00150]embedded image XVII [00151]embedded image XVIII [00152]embedded image XIX N(CH.sub.2COOH).sub.2 XX [00153]embedded image XXI [00154]embedded image XXII [00155]embedded image XXIII [00156]embedded image XXIV [00157]embedded image XXV [00158]embedded image XXVI [00159]embedded image XXVII [00160]embedded image

    TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Radiochemical yields (RCYs), molar activities (Am) and radiochemical purities (RCPs) for the .sup.18F-labeled Tz-derivatives tested in Example 140 and as shown in FIG. 17. In vivo stability.sup.d Blocking (% intact effect (%) Tz-alkyne Azide-functionalized A.sub.m.sup.b RCP [.sup.18F]Tz (of unlabeled Tetrazine (I-VI) .sup.18F-click-agent RCY (%).sup.a (GBq/?mol) (%).sup.c after 30 min) Tz) [.sup.18F]1a IV [.sup.18F]Az1 25.sup.c 55 99 90 9 [.sup.18F]2a IV [.sup.18F]Az2 23 22 96 37 4 [.sup.18F]3a IV [.sup.18F]Az3 61 31 98 76 81 [.sup.18F]5a VI [.sup.18F]Az1 14* 106 ?99 26 10 [.sup.18F]6a VI [.sup.18F]Az2 33 100 ?99 85 1 [.sup.18F]7a VI [.sup.18F]Az3 52 230 ?99 60 3 [.sup.18F]12a V [.sup.18F]Az1 1* 107 96 10 0 [.sup.18F]13a V [.sup.18F]Az2 11 21 94 16 0 [.sup.18F]14a V [.sup.18F]Az3 68 102 98 43 24 [.sup.18F]17a III [.sup.18F]Az1 8* 209 98 32 0 [.sup.18F]18a III [.sup.18F]Az2 17 37 92 22 29 [.sup.18F]19a III [.sup.18F]Az3 59 29 98 87 76 [.sup.18F]25a II [.sup.18F]Az1 16* n.d. 83 n.d. 16 [.sup.18F]26a II [.sup.18F]Az2 36 54 ?85 27 30 [.sup.18F]27a II [.sup.18F]Az3 18* n.d. ?90 n.d. 51 [.sup.18F]43a I [.sup.18F]Az1 1 5 90 10 67 [.sup.18F]44a I [.sup.18F]Az2 20 85 98 n.d. 72 [.sup.18F]45a I [.sup.18F]Az3 11 151 ?90 42 99

    TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 Statistical analysis of the correlation between tumor uptake and clogD.sub.7.4 for the different groups of Tz-derivatives shown in FIG. 16C and 16D. Tz-scaffolds grouped by IEDDA reactivity (second-order rate constants, M.sup.?1s.sup.?1) Tz-scaffolds (see FIG. 16C, 16D) B, C D, I A, F E, H G, L, K 1,4-dioxane, 25? C..sup.a 1.4 10-13 72-83 200-210 230 DPBS buffer, 37? C..sup.b 1,100 n.d. 39,000.sup.c 58,000-60,000 73,000 Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) 0.92 0.89 0.78 0.94 0.86 p-value 0.003 0.017 0.021 <0.0001 <0.001 n 7 6 8 12 12

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