Synthesis of13C-labelled cinnamonitrile

13C-labelled cinnamonitrile, a compound that possesses both the aromatic functionality of styrene and the nitrile functionality of acrylonitrile has been synthesized in one step using β-bromostyrene and potassium [13C]cyanide. The preparation of a target material using 13C -labelled cinnamonitrile may provide a cost-effective method for producing nitrogen-13 via proton irradiation for Positron Emission Tomography. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.