Synthesis of (±)‐[1,1′‐¹⁵N₂, 2′‐¹³C]‐trans‐3′‐methylnicotine

The synthesis of (±)‐[1,1′‐¹⁵N₂, 2′‐¹³C]‐trans‐3′‐methylnicotine is reported. ¹⁵N‐3‐Bromopyridine obtained from bromination of pyridine was formulated with nBuLi/[carbonyl‐¹³C]‐methyl formate. The resulting ¹⁵N‐Pyridine‐3‐[¹³C‐carbonyl]‐carboxaldehyde was reacted with ¹⁵N‐methylamine and then the resulting Schiff's base was condensed with succinic anhydride to give (±)‐[1,1′‐¹⁵N₂, 5′‐¹³C]‐trans‐4′‐carboxycotinine. Reduction with lithium aluminium hydride and mesylation followed by reduction with Zn/Nal gave (±)‐[1,1′‐¹⁵N₂, 2′‐¹³C]‐trans‐3′‐methylnicotine.