Disclosed are cationic complexes of Tc-99m and ligands having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is hydrogen or is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 to C.sub.20 alkyl; C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 cycloalkyl; C.sub.7 to C.sub.24 aralkyl; C.sub.2 to C.sub.16 alkyl ethers, thioethers, ketones or esters; C.sub.7 to C.sub.27 aralkyl ethers; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 lower alkyl radical selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl.
This invention provides novel radiopharmaceuticals which are useful as imaging agents for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disorders, infectious disease and cancer. The radiopharmaceuticals are comprised of phosphine or arsine ligated technetium-99m labeled hydrazino or diazino modified biologically active molecules that selectively localize at sites of disease and thus allow an image to be obtained of the loci using gamma scintigraphy. This invention also provides methods for using the radiopharmaceuticals and kits comprising radiopharmaceutical precursors. The radiopharmaceuticals of this invention have the structure: wherein the variables are as defined herein.
