Gadolinium-based contrast agents are widely used to enhance the contrast of images in magnetic resonance imaging procedures. In particular, Gd-DTPA (MagnevistTM) and Gd-DOTA (DotaremTM) were the first contrast agents used in clinical practice. Herein, a new environmentally friendly synthetic approach for Gd-DTPA, Gd-DOTA and their derivatives has been described using ultrasound energy. The simplicity of execution, significantly shorter reaction times (20-35 min), satisfactory yields (84-98%), use of water as a solvent and purity of the products make this methodology highly attractive. Additionally, in this novel method, no organic solvent is involved at any stage of the reaction, isolation or purification of products. Furthermore, under sonication, two of most import gadolinium-based contrast agents (Gd-DTPA and Gd-DOTA) were efficiently obtained in milder and faster conditions, with an E-factor approaching zero. Finally, the use of the ultrasound-assisted method described may be applicable in the generation of a wide variety of metal-based coordination compounds for important pharmaceutical applications to reduce environmental and production costs. 

Greener approach toward gadolinium-based contrast agents

248th National Meeting (2014)

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