Iridium-catalysed labelling of anilines, benzylamines and nitrogen heterocycles using deuterium gas and cycloocta-1,5-dienyliridium(I) 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionate

A wide range of variously substituted anilines, benzylamines, and nitrogen heterocycles may be conveniently deuterated by exchange with deuterium gas and cycloocta-1,5-dienyliridium(I) 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dionate. The isotopic exchange can be carried out efficiently in dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide, hence it is directly applicable to the deuteration of polar compounds such as pharmaceuticals. Isotope incorporation is rapid and yields ortho-regiospecificity.