Regioselective synthesis of deuterated analogs of the neurotoxin MPTP

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-2-pyridone has been used as starting material for the efficient and regioselective synthesis of deuterated analogues of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). MPTP-2,2-d 2 , MPTP-6,6-d 2 and MPTP-2,2,6,6-d 4 were obtained in good yield through a combination of alkaline deuterium exchange and selective LiAlH 4 and LiAlD 4 reduction reactions.