The preparation of 2 H and 3 H‐labelled 7,9‐, and 7,10‐dimethylbenz[c]acridine by catalytic dehalogenation

Deuterated and tritiated 7,9‐dimethylbenz [c] acridine, and 7,10‐dimethyl‐benz[c]acridine, labelled at the methyl groups, were prepared by catalytic dehalogenation of bromomethyl compouds. For each aza‐aromatic compound three brominated derivatives were prepared and characterized. Incorporation of deuterium occurred more readily at the 9‐ or 10‐methyl groups than the 7‐methyl groups suggesting a large isotope effect for catalytic deuteration.