Efficient and Selective Deuteration of Phenylalanine Derivatives Catalyzed by Pd/C

A facile and efficient deuteration method of phenylalanine derivatives using a Pd/C-H2-D2O system has been developed. Selective deuteration at the β-position of phenylalanine derivatives occurred using Pd/C as a catalyst with high deuterium efficiency without racemization at 110 °C. Also, the α-position was deuterated at higher temperature.