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Electrochemical cobalt-catalyzed semi-deuteration of alkynes to access deuterated Z-alkenes

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  • Wen-Jie Feng

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Zhe Chang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xi Lu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yao Fu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

Deuterium labeling has found extensive applications across various research fields, including organic synthesis, drug design, and molecular imaging. Electrocatalytic semi-hydrogenation of alkynes offers a viable route for the synthesis of Z-alkenes, yet it falls short in achieving the semi-deuteration of these compounds. In this study, we report an electrochemical cobalt-catalyzed transfer deuteration reaction that proficiently accomplishes the semi-deuteration of alkynes, yielding Z-configuration deuterated alkene products. This reaction utilizes cost-effective cobalt salts as catalysts and employs D2O and AcOD (acetic acid-d) as economical and efficient deuterium sources, underscoring its practicality and feasibility. The reaction demonstrates a broad alkyne substrate scope, high reaction efficiency, good functional group compatibility, excellent Z-selectivity, and a remarkable degree of deuteration rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Wen-Jie Feng & Zhe Chang & Xi Lu & Yao Fu, 2025. "Electrochemical cobalt-catalyzed semi-deuteration of alkynes to access deuterated Z-alkenes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57782-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57782-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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