The disclosure relates to synthetic methods, systems, kits, salts, and precursors represented by structural formula shown herein, which are useful in medical imaging. An imaging agent precursor, which may be formed using the synthetic methods described herein, is used in the composition for medical imaging applications. An imaging agent precursor may be converted to an imaging agent using the methods described herein. These imaging agents act as norepinephrine transporter ligands that target or bind NET, wherein the binding of the imaging agent to norepinephrine transporters (NET) allows for imaging of cardiac sympathetic innervation or activity, which makes them suitable for assessing cardiac sympathetic innervation and/or myocardial sympathetic function. In some cases, the imaging agent is enriched in Fluorine18 . In some cases, an imaging agent including salt forms (e.g., ascorbate salt) may be used to image an area of interest in a subject, including, but not limited to, the heart, cardiovascular system, cardiac vessels, brain, and other organs.
