Abstract: A method for using iodo-aryl carbonates, such as for example, p-iodo-benzyl carbonates, p-iodo-sec-phenethyl carbonates, p-iodo-phenethyl carbonates, p-iodo-phenyl carbonates, 3-(p-iodophenyl)propyl carbonates, 3-(p-iodophenyl)butyl carbonates, 2-(p-iodobenzyl)butyl carbonates and 2-(p-iodobenzyl)-n-hexyl carbonates, to provide radiopaques for various radiography purposes in connection with such techniques as X-ray applications including myelography, salpingography, lymphography and bronchography. The method first comprises selecting a compound generally categorized as a carbonate and having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and R' represents an iodinated phenyl linked directly to the ester oxygen or through an alkyl chain consisting of 1 to 3 carbon atoms. An effective amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable carbonate, as defined herein, is then placed into the subject body cavity and the particular X-ray or other study performed of this area.

Abstract: Iodo-aryl carbonates, such as for example, p-iodo-benzyl carbonates, p-iodo-sec-phenethyl carbonates, p-iodo-phenethyl carbonates, p-iodo-phenyl carbonates, 3-(p-iodophenyl)propyl carbonates, 3-(p-iodophenyl)butyl carbonates, 2-(p-iodobenzyl)butyl carbonates and 2-(p-iodobenzyl)-n-hexyl carbonates, for use as radiographic media in connection with such techniques as x-ray applications including myelography, salpingography, lymphography and bronchography. An effective quantity of iodinated organic carbonate provides x-ray contrast, and the compounds of the invention may be characterized generally as carbonates having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkyl group having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms and R' represents an iodinated phenyl linked to the ester oxygen through an alkyl chain consisting of 1 to 3 carbon atoms.