α-Trideuteration of methylarenes

An efficient and practical transition metal free alpha-trideuteration of methylarenes was developed. This process proceeds via an inexpensive base, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium tert-butoxide, prompted deprotonation and reprotonation of methylarenes in DMSO-d(6) solvent. The reaction is applicable to a wide range of methylarenes and allows the introduction of a trideuteriomethyl group to aromatics with excellent selectivity.

Automated summary

An efficient and practical transition metal-free alpha-trideuteration of methylarenes has been developed using inexpensive bases in DMSO-d(6) solvent. This method is applicable to a wide range of methylarenes and allows for the introduction of a trideuteriomethyl group to aromatics with excellent selectivity.