5) were synthesized using a three-step process using cyclotron-produced [13N]NO3. Biodistribution studies were performed using positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET–CT) on 20-month-old healthy, wild-type (WT) mice. In vivo and in vitro binding assays were performed using PET-CT and autoradiography, respectively, on 20-month-old healthy (WT) mice and transgenic (Tg2576) Alzheimer's disease model mice. Results 13N-labelled azo compounds were prepared with decay corrected radiochemical yields in the range 27?±- % to 39?±- %. Biodistribution studies showed good blood–brain barrier penetration for compounds 1 and 3-; good clearance data were also obtained for compounds 1- and 5. Compounds 2, 3 and 5 (but not 1) showed a significant uptake in β-amyloid-rich structures when assayed in in vitro autoradiographic studies. PET studies showed significant uptake of compounds 2 and 3 in the cortex of transgenic animals that exhibit β-amyloid deposits. Conclusions The results underscore the potential of compounds 2 and 3 as in vitro and in vivo markers for β-amyloid in animal models of Alzheimer's disease." />