Abstract: The aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the necrosis avidity of MRI contrast agent based on rhein and linked by ether. The novel ligand 10-［6-(1, 8-dihydroxyanthraquinone-3-carboxamido)ethoxyethyl］aminocarbonylmethyl-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecan-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid(DO3A-Ether-Rhein, E1)was synthesized by two steps of acylation and deprotection reaction. The paramagnetic gadolinium 10-［6-(1, 8-dihydroxyanthraquinone-3-carboxamido)ethoxyethyl］aminocarbonylmethyl-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecan-1, 4, 7-triacetic acid(Gd-DO3A-Ether-Rhein, GdE1)was obtained by coordination of Gd³⁺ with the above ligand. We examined the necrotic avidity of GdE1 in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell necrosis induced by hyperthermia in vitro and in rat model with muscular necrosis induced by microwave ablation in vivo by MRI. The MRI was implemented before administration of GdE1 and during 0-9 h after administration of GdE1(0. 1 mmol/kg), and Gd-DOTA(gadolinium 1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclo dodecane)was used as control. The signal intensity of necrotic cells(4 369±70)was significantly higher than that of normal cells(2 555±84)(P< 0. 05). Similarly, the contrast ratio between necrotic and normal muscle at 3 h after administration of GdE1(2. 00±0. 12)was remarkblely higher than that at 0 h after administration of GdE1(1. 27±0. 03)(P< 0. 05). Therefore, GdE1 presents good necrosis affinity and has the potential to be used in the diagnosis of necrosis-related diseases.