We prepared a new series of 7α-substituted derivatives of 16α-fluoroestradiol, based on the very potent antiestrogen 7α-{9- [(4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoropentyl)sulfinyl]nonyl}-estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17β-diol (ICI 182,780; Faslodex). The latter consist of estradiol functionalized with a side chain at the 7α-position, conferring interesting pharmaceutical properties for endocrine therapy of estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. The considerable advantages of ICI 182,780 over other selective ER-modulators (SERMs) already used in hormonal therapy, lead us to develop three new 16α-fluoro derivatives with potential use in positron emission tomography (PET), for the imaging of ER densities in breast tumors. Introduction of the long side chain at the 7α-position was accomplished by Cu()promoted conjugate addition of a Grignard reagent to 6-dehydro-19-nortestosterone. Subsequent oxidation of the 17-hydoxy group and A-ring aromatization gave a 7α-substituted estrone derivative. Further addition to complete the side chain gave the ICI 182,780 mimics that were converted to the reactive 16β,17β-cyclic sulfates, i.e. the key intermediates for the 18 F-labeling reaction. Opening of the cyclic sulfates via nucleophilic fluorination with Me 4 NF, followed by rapid hydrolysis in acidic ethanol of the protecting ether and sulfate groups, yielded the desired 16αfluoro PET derivatives of ICI 182,780. The latter procedure is readily adapted for radiolabeling with 18 F by substituting Me 4 NF for 18 F Ϫ in acetonitrile.