Organocatalytic α-deuteration of carbonyl compounds: a pTSA/D2O strategy for bioactive and natural products

Abstract

We report a Brønsted acid-catalyzed, selective α-deuteration of carbonyl compounds using D₂O as an economical and sustainable deuterium source. The method offers high incorporation, broad scope, and mild conditions. Mechanistic studies implicate TsOD/oxonium intermediates. The protocol enables chromatography-free isolation and efficient late-stage deuteration of complex bioactive molecules.