Easily Handled NaBArF4 Catalyzed Selective Electrophilic Deuteration Method for C(sp2)–H Bond of Aryl Amines

Deuterated aryl amines are increasingly sought after in pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of deuterated drugs. Traditional methods for their synthesis often involve harsh conditions or preprepared reagents. This study introduces a mild, metal-free method for the selective deuteration of aryl amines, utilizing deuterium oxide (D₂O) and a commercially available catalyst, tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate (NaBAr^F₄). The reaction is performed under moderate conditions and is compatible with a wide range of substrates, including sensitive functional groups. Mechanistic studies highlight the crucial role of noncoordinated Na⁺ in catalysis, underscoring the broader potential of NaBAr^F₄ and weakly coordinating anions (WCAs) in synthetic chemistry. This method offers an efficient and sustainable approach to synthesizing deuterated aryl amines.