A method for efficient and extensive H/Dexchange of substituted benzenederivatives which is catalyzed by heterogeneous Pd/C in D(2)O as a deuterium source under hydrogen atmosphere is described. Multi-deuterium incorporation into unactivated linear or branched alkyl chains that bear a carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether, ester, or amide moiety and are connected with a benzene ring was achieved by using the
development of a C2-extension of primary alcohols with ethanol as the C2 source and catalysis by [Cp*IrCl2]2 (where Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadiene) is described. This new extension system was used for a range of benzylicalcohol substrates and for aliphatic alcohols with ethanol as an alkyl reagent to generate the corresponding C2-extended linear alcohols. Mechanisticstudies of the reaction by means of intermediates