**1**8F.

No carrier added tetraethylammonium left bracket **1**8F right bracket fluoride prepared via synthesis and hydrolysis of fluorotrimethylsilane was reacted with methyl 16-iodohexadecanoate in acetonitrile. At 80 degree C, yields of up to 80% were found with reaction times of 20-30 min. As would be expected for fluoride-for-iodide exchange, reactions were slower than previously-reported cyclic sulfate and triflate displacements. The results are discussed in terms of guidelines for syntheses of other **1**8F compounds and of the properties of near anhydrous tetraethylammonium fluoride in acetonitrile.