Researchers identify reactive catalyst intermediates for targeted tritium labeling: The first hydrogenolysis of arylpseudohalides with a homogeneous catalyst – simple and immediate access to tritiated pharmaceuticals 

Tritium ³H is a radioactive Isotope of hydrogen that serves as an ideal tracer for pharmaceutical development. Generally, tritium is introduced into small-molecule drug-like compounds by heterogeneous catalysts. However, these commonly also destroy a variety of other groups that are prevalent especially in pharmaceuticals. We have now discovered a method to perform hydrogenolysis reactions on such molecules with homogeneous catalysts, so that they can be labeled with tritium. They are compatible with other functional groups and straightforward to use.