Practical Method for Reductive Deuteration of Ketones with Magnesium and D2O.

α-Deuterated alcohols have important applications in pharmaceuticals and mechanism studies. Here, we report a new and practical strategy for the reductive deuteration of ketones using a Mg/BrCH2CH2Br/D2O system, which affords α-deuterated alcohols in good yields and with almost quantitative incorporation of deuterium. The synthetic value of this method has been demonstrated by the easy access to deuterated drugs or drug derivatives. This method may inspire the discovery of other deuterium-containing drugs.