Isotopic labelling of functionalised arenes catalysed by Ir(I) species of the [(COD)Ir(NHC)(py)]PF6 complex class

Ir(I) complexes of the type [(COD)Ir(NHC)(Py)]PF6 have been exposed as efficient catalysts in the area of hydrogen isotope exchange. More specifically, via an ortho-directed C-H activation process, high levels of deuterium incorporation have been achieved using low levels of catalyst over a range of functionalised aromatic compounds. Additionally, the developed protocol has been extended to include a selected pharmacological target, where chemoselective labelling is observed within such a multifunctional substrate.