Electrocatalytic Deuteration of Halides with D2O as the Deuterium Source over a Copper Nanowire Arrays Cathode

Abstract

AbstractPrecise deuterium incorporation with controllable deuterated sites is extremely desirable. Here, a facile and efficient electrocatalytic deuterodehalogenation of halides using D2O as the deuteration reagent and copper nanowire arrays (Cu NWAs) electrochemically formed in situ as the cathode was demonstrated. A cross‐coupling of carbon and deuterium free radicals might be involved for this ipso‐selective deuteration. This method exhibited excellent chemoselectivity and high compatibility with the easily reducible functional groups (C=C, C≡C, C=O, C=N, C≡N). The C−H to C−D transformations were achieved with high yields and deuterium ratios through a one‐pot halogenation–deuterodehalogenation process. Efficient deuteration of less‐active bromide substrates, specific deuterium incorporation into top‐selling pharmaceuticals, and oxidant‐free paired anodic synthesis of high‐value chemicals with low energy input highlighted the potential practicality.