History of the First Synthesis of 2-Deoxy-2-Fluoro-D-Glucose the Unlabeled Forerunner of 2-Deoxy-2-[18F]Fluoro-D-Glucose

Abstract

The history of the first successful synthesis of 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose (19FDG) is described. In many aspects, this substance imitates the behavior of naturally occurring glucose.

For example, it is transported into the cells and is converted to the corresponding 6-phosphate by the enzyme hexokinase in a manner similar to glucose.