A Method for the Synthesis of Deuterated Benzoins Catalyzed by N-Heterocyclic Carbene

An efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of deuterated benzoins from two molecules of aldehydes under the catalysis of N-heterocyclic carbene by using D2O as the deuterium source, providing the products with deuterium selectively incorporated at the alpha-position of ketone group. The method features simple operation and mild reaction conditions, and a variety of aromatic aldehyde substrates could afford products with high deuterium incorporation.