Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for obtaining purified contrast agents that are suitable for magnetic resonance imaging. The contrast agents are prepared by a method such dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), hydrogenative parahydrogen induced polarization (PHIP), or Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE). High degrees of purity are achieved by performing an evaporation step to separate a signal enhanced precursor or the contrast agent from a metal catalyst or a source of radicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transferring a two-spin order of a molecule (e.g. parahydrogen) into a hyperpolarization of at least one heteronucleus, the method comprising the steps of: providing a molecule (e.g. parahydrogen pH2) comprising two protons and at least one heteronucleus (S3, S4), the protons having nuclear spins being coupled to a nuclear spin of the at least one heteronucleus; exposing the protons and the at least one heteronucleus to an e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a compound suitable for signal enhanced magnetic resonance imaging comprising the steps of vinylating a mono-, di- or tricarboxylic acid comprising a moiety -Q-Z with Q being O or N and Z being a protecting group by using vinyl acetate, cleaving Z, and if Z has not already been converted into an alcohol upon cleavage, converting Q into an alcohol either by using nitrite or by converting Q into bromine followed by hydrolysis yielding a vinyl hydroxy ester. The compounds used may be partly or fully deuterated. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vinyl hydroxy ester as well as an intermediate of its synthesis, wherein the vinyl moiety of the vinyl hydroxy ester and of the intermediate is partly or fully deuterated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vinyl keto ester and intermediates of its synthesis, wherein the vinyl moiety of the vinyl hydroxy ester and of the intermediates is partly or fully deuterated. Furthermore, the present invention relates to two alternative methods of preparing said vinyl keto ester. The first method is a multi-step approach comprising the steps of providing a carboxylic acid that comprises a geminal diol moiety protected by a photolabile protecting group, vinylating said carboxylic acid using vinyl acetate, and cleaving the protecting group by applying UV light. The second method is a one-step approach of reacting a carboxylic acid that comprises an additional carbonyl moiety with acetylene in the presence of a metal catalyst. In both methods, the compounds used may be fully or partly deuterated.

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst composition for para-hydrogen induced polarization includes ligand-capped nanoparticles dispersed in water. The ligand-capped nanoparticles include metal nanoparticles that are surface functionalized with organic ligands, a molecular weight of the organic ligands is no greater than 300 g/mol, and the organic ligands each includes multiple binding moieties as coordinates sites for binding to a nanoparticle surface.

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst composition for para-hydrogen induced polarization includes ligand-capped nanoparticles dispersed in water. The ligand-capped nanoparticles include metal nanoparticles that are surface functionalized with organic ligands, a molecular weight of the organic ligands is no greater than 300 g/mol, and the organic ligands each includes multiple binding moieties as coordinates sites for binding to a nanoparticle surface.

Abstract: A heterogeneous catalyst composition for para-hydrogen induced polarization includes ligand-capped nanoparticles dispersed in water. The ligand-capped nanoparticles include metal nanoparticles that are surface functionalized with organic ligands, a molecular weight of the organic ligands is no greater than 300 g/mol, and the organic ligands each includes multiple binding moieties as coordinates sites for binding to a nanoparticle surface.