Synthesis of [32P]dolichyl phosphate, utilizing a general procedure for [32P]phosphorus oxychloride preparation.

Equilibration of the phosphorus in radioactive phosphoric acid with the phosphorus in phosphorus oxychloride occurs if these compounds are refluxed together for approximately 24 h. This observation led us to develop a method for the preparation of radioactive phosphorus oxychloride on a small scale with high specific radioactivity. The labeled phosphorus oxychloride may be utilized directly in a one-pot reaction for the preparation of labeled phosphate esters or for the synthesis of more selective phosphorylating agents such as cyanoethyl phosphate. Since the method is very simple and capable of yielding highly labeled radioactive phosphate esters on a small scale, it is applicable to a number of different problems. The preparation of 32P-labeled dolichyl phosphate is described utilizing this procedure.