Highly efficient deuteration of halogenated aromatic compounds catalyzed by FePtPd nanowires

Catalytic dehalogenation of aromatic halides via FePtPd nanowires and expansion of 27 deuterated substrates. [Display omitted] •The FePtPd nanowires catalysts are prepared and can be recyclable.•Highly efficient deuteration of halogenated aromatic compounds are completed.•The gram-scale deuteration using 2-iodo-9,9′-dimethyl-9H-fluorene is realized. Due to the unique properties of deuterium, precise deuteration of drugs provides an attractive method for modifying pharmacokinetic properties, reducing toxicity and increasing biological activity. However, many current deuteration methods are facing challenges such as harsh reaction conditions and poor tolerance to functional groups, making them difficult to apply to practical needs. Herein, we report a unique approach to efficiently catalyze the deuteration of halogenated aromatic compounds using FePtPd nanowires (NWs) as catalysts, D2 as a deuterium source, CD3OD and Et3N as solvents. The advantages of this method include precise regulation of the amount of deuterium incorporation, specific targeting of the deuteration site and practical applicability for various functional groups. In addition, the FePtPd NWs were recyclable, and gram-scale preparation of deuterated products with high levels of deuterium incorporations and high yields was achieved.