Organophotocatalytic Selective Deuteration of Metabolically Labile Heteroatom Adjacent C-H Bonds via H/D Exchange with D₂O

We report a general approach for efficient deuteration of the metabolically labile α-C-H bonds of widespread amides and amines. Temporarily masking the secondary amine group as a carbamate allows an unprecedented photoredox hydrogen atom transfer-promoted α-carbamyl radical formation for efficient H/D exchange with D₂O. The mild protocol delivers structurally diverse α-deuterated secondary amines including “privileged” piperidine and piperazine structures highly regioselectively with excellent levels of deuterium incorporation (≤100%). Furthermore, we successfully implemented the strategy for α-deuteration of amides, lactams, and ureas with high regioselectivity and high levels of D incorporation. Finally, the observed efficient deuteration of secondary alcohol moieties in late-stage modification of complex amine-containing pharmaceuticals allows for the development of a viable method for efficient α-deuteration of the important functionality.