An alternative route for the synthesis of a photoaffinity labelling (PAL) dCTP derivative is reported. This method involves the intermediacy of exo-N-[2-(4-azido-2, 3, 5, 6- tetrafluorobenzamido) ethyl]-dC. The latter is prepared from the coupling of known N-(2- aminoethyl)-4-azido-2, 3, 5, 6-tetrafluorobenzamide, prepared in an improved three-step sequence, with an activated 4-triazolyl derivative of dU, followed by deprotection. 19F ...