Deuteration

Deuterium-labeled compounds are widely used as research tools in chemistry. Their importance lies in a number of applications, such as:

• proving reaction mechanisms,
• investigation of the pharmacokinetic properties of the given compound,
• internal standards in mass spectrometry,
• compound structure determination in NMR spectroscopy.

The conventional methods for the synthesis of deuterated compounds utilize D₂ gas as the deuterium source, however, they have drawbacks. Other approaches have been employed to overcome the difficulties, such as catalytic H-D exchange reactions between H₂ and D₂O. These methods are usually time consuming, they do not produce high purity D₂ and require high pressure, special catalyst or excess amount of a strong base or acid.

The H-Cube Mini Plus and the H-Cube Pro continuous flow systems are capable of generating deuterium gas from the electrolysis of D₂O with 99,98% purity.

Examples of continuous flow deuteration with the H-Cube series:

1. Replace the catalyst cartridge with an inert CatCart. Remove the deionized water from the water reservoir.
2. Push the water tank purge on the info screen and wait 30 seconds to remove the remaining water.
3. Close the water reservoir and fill it with 10 mL of heavy water.
4. Use the water tank purge on the info screen and wait 1 minute to wash the water line properly with heavy water.
5. Open the bottom of the water reservoir and remove the normal-heavy water mixture.
6. Push the water tank purge on the info screen and wait 30 seconds to remove the remaining normal-heavy water mixture.
7. Close the water reservoir and fill it with heavy water.
8. If it is important to remove the traces of the normal water, repeat the points 4-7.
9. Start using the system with heavy water.
10. Place the new cartridge into the H-Cube and run heavy water through for a simulated run prior to the planned reaction.

1. Replace the catalyst cartridge with an inert CatCart. Remove the deionized water from the water reservoir.
2. Fill the water reservoir and with 10 mL of heavy water.
3. Run a blank reaction with H2 ON setting to remove water residues from the water line.
4. Open the water reservoir and remove the normal-heavy water mixture.
5. If it is important to remove traces of normal deionized water, repeat the points 2-4.
6. Fill the water reservoir with heavy water.

• Application notes
• Publications