Organoiridium catalysed hydrogen isotope exchange of benzamide derivatives

Hydrogen-tritium exchange in a series of benzamide derivatives and acetanilide has been investigated using [Ir(cod)(Cy3P)(Py)]PF6 as catalyst. Specific activities of 6–43 Ci/mmol were obtained. Tritium NMR spectroscopy showed that exchange occurred ortho to the amide group. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.