Immobilized and Recyclable Catalysts for Deuterium Labelling: Recent Developments and Emerging Strategies

Abstract

Deuterated (deuterium, D-labelled) compounds have become indispensable across a wide range of applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science, driving significant interest in the development of efficient and sustainable synthetic methodologies. In particular, there is a growing emphasis on greener approaches that enable deuteration under mild conditions, which typically necessitate the use of catalytic systems. While homogeneous catalysts are often employed due to their high activity, their limited recoverability can lead to inefficiencies, waste generation, and potential product contamination. To address these challenges, increasing attention has been directed toward the use of immobilized and recyclable catalysts, which offer enhanced sustainability and operational advantages. Such systems not only facilitate catalyst recovery and reuse but also enable integration with continuous flow technologies, providing a promising route toward scalable and environmentally responsible deuteration processes. In this review, we survey recent advances (since June 2024) in the application of immobilized and recyclable catalysts for deuteration, with a focus on innovative materials, catalytic strategies, and emerging trends that are shaping the future of this field.