Direct hydrogen isotope exchange represents a distinctive strategy for deuterium labelling,
where the protium is directly replaced by deuterium. In this graphical review, we
summarize the progress in deuteration via transition-metal-catalyzed hydrogen isotope
exchange. The review is organized according to the mechanism of C–H bond activation
relating to the homogeneous catalysis, and heterogeneous catalysis is also discussed
according to the catalyst type. Representative mechanistic processes are depicted,
and proven cases for tritiation are also highlighted.
Key words
H/D exchange - C–H activation - hydrogen-borrowing - deuterium labelling - heavy water
- deuterium gas