Synthesis of [(17)-C-14] nicergoline

The synthesis of 1,6-dimethyl-8 beta-(5-bromonicotinoyl-[C-14]10 alpha-methoxy-ergoline ([17-C-14] nicergoline) is reported. A five-step route starting from the addition of potassium [C-14] cyanide 2 to 1,6-dimethyl-8 beta-chloro-10 alpha-methoxy-ergoline 1 yielded the expected [17-C-14] nicergoline, 97% radiochemically pure, with a specific activity of 2.23 GBq/mmol. The overall radiochemical yield was about 10% from 2.