Electrochemical benzylic deuteration of p-QMs enabling the synthesis of benzylic deuterated diarylmethanes

Abstract

Herein, electroreductive umpolung benzylic deuteration of p-QMs using cheap and easily accessible D₂O as a deuterium source is reported. Various value-added benzylic deuterated diarylmethanes can be synthesized without the requirement of noble metal catalysts, redox reagents, and strong bases. The establishment of this protocol will provide an alternative strategy for acquiring benzylic deuterated diarylmethanes.