Synthesis of dirhodium[3H]tetraacetate

Realizing a need for labeled dirhodium tetraacetate [Rh₂/OAc/₄] for binding studies by the equilibrium dialysis procedure, we have established a method for the preparation and purification of [³H]Rh₂/OAc/₄. This is obtained with a tritium label of a sufficiently high specific activity in the methyl group of acetate residues. The method consists of replacement of the existing acetate bridge by [³H]OAc^–. A typical preparation involves refluxing Rh₂/OAc/₄ with [³H]NaOAc in dry ethanol at 80°C for 6 h. The reaction time is critical for obtaining the product with a high specific activity. A simple purification of reaction products yields the compound of interest with a high specific activity, i. e., 315±10 Ci per mol of Rh₂/OAc/₄ and in satisfactory yield /87% of the starting material., This labeled material can be synthesized with greatly increased specific activity /of tritium in acetate groups/ by employing [³H]NaOAc without prior dilution. The labeled Rh₂/OAc/₄ is stable and yields a characteristic product with adenylic acid.