Novel [99mTcIII(PS)2(Ln)] Mixed-Ligand Compounds (PS = Phosphinothiolate; L = Dithiocarbamate) Useful in Design and Development of TcIII-Based Agents: Synthesis, in Vitro, and ex Vivo Biodistribution Studies

A general procedure for the preparation of a new class of neutral six-coordinated mixed ligand [Tc-99m(III)(PS)(2)(Ln)] compounds (PS = trisalkyl-phosphino-thiolate; Ln = dithiocarbamate) is reported as well as their in vitro stability and the ex vivo tissue distribution studies. [Tc-99m(PS)(2)(Ln)] complexes were prepared in high yield in nearly physiologic conditions following a one-pot procedure. For instance, the chemical identity of [Tc-99m(PSiso)(2)(L1)] (PSiso = 2-(diisopropylphosphino)ethanethiol; L1 = pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) was determined by HPLC comparison with the corresponding (99g)Tc-complex. All complexes comprise the stable [Tc-99m(III)(PS)(2)](+) moiety, where the remaining two coordination positions are saturated by a dithiocarbamate chelate, also carrying bioactive molecules (e.g., 2-methoxyphenylpiperazine). [Tc-99m(PS)(2)(Ln)] complexes were inert toward ligand exchange reactions. No significant in vitro and in vivo biotransformation were observed, underlining their remarkable thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness. These results could be conveniently utilized to devise a novel class of Tc-99m(III)-based compounds useful in radiopharmaceutical applications.