Metal-Free Electrochemically Reductive Deuteration of C═N Bonds with D2O toward Deuterated Amines

Tandem Protocol for Diversified Deuteration of Secondary Aliphatic Amines under Mild Conditions

Deuteration of amine compounds has been widely of concern because of its practical role in organic reaction mechanisms and drug research; however, only limited deuteration label methods are accessible with D2O as a deuterium source. Herein, we propose a convenient deuteration protocol, including preparing D2 by the AlGa activation method, using PtRu nanowires as catalysts, and utilizing the elementary step in the couple reaction involving an imine unit, to realize the rapid preparation of a secondary amine with a diversified deuteration label. The self-coupling between nitriles not only provides a symmetric secondary amine with four α-D atoms but also produces high-valued ND3 in an atomic-economic way.

Microenvironment regulation breaks the Faradaic efficiency-current density trade-off for electrocatalytic deuteration using D2O

The high Faradaic efficiency (FE) of the electrocatalytic deuteration of organics with D2O at a large current density is significant for deuterated electrosynthesis. However, the FE and current density are the two ends of a seesaw because of the severe D2 evolution side reaction at nearly industrial current densities. Herein, we report a combined scenario of a nanotip-enhanced electric field and surfactant-modified interface microenvironment to enable the electrocatalytic deuteration of arylacetonitrile in D2O with an 80% FE at -100 mA cm-2. The increased concentration with low activation energy of arylacetonitrile due to the large electric field along the tips and the accelerated arylacetonitrile transfer and suppressed D2 evolution by the surfactant-created deuterophobic microenvironment contribute to breaking the trade-off between a high FE and large current density. Furthermore, the application of our strategy in other deuteration reactions with improved Faradaic efficiencies at -100 mA cm-2 rationalizes the design concept.

Electrochemical γ-Selective Deuteration of Pyridines

Herein, we first report a γ-selective deuteration reaction of pyridines via H/D exchange without the need for preinstalled directing groups and transformable functional groups. The electrochemical process offers an attractive approach to producing γ-deuterated pyridines under gentle conditions. The broad substrate scope, excellent deuterium incorporation, and remarkable selectivity of the electrochemical method make it applicable for the late-stage modification of pharmaceutical molecules.

Electrochemical benzylic deuteration of p-QMs enabling the synthesis of benzylic deuterated diarylmethanes

Herein, electroreductive umpolung benzylic deuteration of p-QMs using cheap and easily accessible D2O as a deuterium source is reported. Various value-added benzylic deuterated diarylmethanes can be synthesized without the requirement of noble metal catalysts, redox reagents, and strong bases. The establishment of this protocol will provide an alternative strategy for acquiring benzylic deuterated diarylmethanes.

Photosynthesis of C-1-Deuterated Aldehydes via Chlorine Radical-Mediated Selective Deuteration of the Formyl C-H Bond

C-1-deuterated aldehydes are essential building blocks in the synthesis of deuterated chemicals and pharmaceuticals. This has led chemists to devise mild methodologies for their efficient production. Ideally, hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDE) is the most effective approach. However, the traditional HDE for creating C-1-deuterated aldehydes often requires a complex system involving multiple catalysts and/or ligands. In this study, we present a mild photocatalytic HDE of the formyl C-H bond with D2O. This process is facilitated by chlorine radicals that are generated in situ from low-cost FeCl3. This strategy demonstrated a broad reaction scope and high functional group tolerance, affording good yields and ≤99% D incorporation. To bridge the gap between research and industrial applications, we designed a new flow photoreactor equipped with a high-intensity light-emitting diode bucket, enabling the synthesis of C-1-deuterated aldehydes on a scale of 85 g. Finally, we successfully produced several important deuterated aldehydes that are integral to the synthesis of deuterated pharmaceuticals.

Graphene Oxide Membrane Reactor for Electrochemical Deuteration Reactions

The deuteration of organic molecules is considerably important in organic and medicinal chemistry. An electrochemical membrane reactor using proton-conducting graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets was developed to synthesize valuable deuterium-labeled products via an efficient hydrogen-to-deuterium (H/D) exchange under mild conditions at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. Deuterons (D+) formed by the anodic oxidation of heavy water (D2O) at the Pt/C anode permeate through the GO membrane to the Pt/C cathode, where organic molecules with functional groups (C≡C and C═O) are deuterated with adsorbed atomic D species. Deuteration occurs in outstanding yields with high levels of D incorporation. We also achieved the electrodeuteration of a drug molecule, ibuprofen, demonstrating the promising feasibility of the GO membrane reactor in the pharmaceutical industry.

Photochemical C(sp3)-H Activation for Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of 3-Functionalized Oxindoles

Heteroatom-adjacent C(sp3) radical cyclization of N-arylacrylamides provides a straightforward pathway to synthesize valuable 3-functionalized oxindoles. Traditional cyclization reactions normally require harsh conditions or transition-metal catalysts. Here, we developed a metal-free, diversity-oriented synthesis of 3-functionalized oxindoles via photochemically induced selective cleavage of C(sp3)-H bonds. A variety of 3-substituted oxindoles with functionalities such as ethers, polyhalogens, benzyl, and formyl groups can be obtained by a rational design. This strategy is characterized by its simple operation and mild conditions, aligning well with the developmental requirements for sustainable chemistry. The gram-scale continuous-flow synthesis and efficient construction of bioactive molecules highlight its practical utility.

Highly effective and selective FeBr3-promoted deuterium bromination/cyclization of 1,n-enynes

A highly effective and selective FeBr3-promoted deuterium bromination/cyclization of 1,n-enynes is reported. On the one hand, the Lewis acid FeBr3 as a catalyst promotes cyclization of 1,n-enynes to afford deuterium heterocyclic frameworks with high efficiency. On the other hand, FeBr3 serves as the bromine source (with D2O as the deuterium source) to promote the formation of the desired deuterated pyrrole derivatives containing alkenyl bromide groups. This protocol provides an effective pathway to afford deuterated alkenyl brominative compounds as (Z)-isomers with high yields and selectivity, offering a new method for introducing 2H into organic compounds.