Deuterium as Gas in Organic Solid Reactions

Abstract

Deuterium reacts with solid phenols, similar to hydrogen under mild conditions. We show that there is an addition of six deuterium atoms to the phenolic ring. The hydrogen bond of the hydroxyl group is not really affected by deuteration, no transfer or exchange with deuterium is observed. A higher rate of deuteration compared to hydrogenation is obtained. Deuterium diffuses from the metal catalyst to its support and then reacts with the organic solid.