The present invention relates to an improved synthesis of N-monofluoroalkyl tropanes using fluoroalkyl iodides or fluoroalkyl sulfonate esters. The invention also provides the use of such method to prepare the non-radioactive tropane intermediate FP-CIT, and its subsequent conversion to the 123I-labelled radiopharmaceutical DaTSCAN™ (123I-ioflupane). Also provided is the use of fluoroalkyl iodides or fluoroalkyl sulfonate esters in the alkylation method of the invention.