Deuteration of Pd-activated C(sp2)–H bonds in the solid state

Abstract

We report mechanochemically-induced deuteration of Pd-activated aromatic C(sp²)–H bonds at ambient temperature under solvent-free conditions. Deuterium was sourced from cysteine-d₄ to obtain mono- or dideuterated products from various aromatic palladacycles. Next to good deuteration yields, based on time-resolved in situ Raman monitoring and DFT calculations, we present a detailed view of the reaction course in the solid state. The obtained knowledge could lead to the broader application of this methodology for the deuteration of organics.