Deuterium Labelling of Tryptamine, Serotonin and their N-Methylated Metabolites Using Solvent Exchange Reactions.

Abstract

Technically uncomplicated methods based on catalytic isotope exchange in deuterated solvents are described for the deuteration of tryptamine, serotonin and their N-methylated metabolites N-methyltryptamine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine, N-methylserotonin and N,N-dimethyl serotonin. Heterogeneous platinum catalysis, homogeneous acid catalysis and their combination have been employed. The properties of the labeled derivatives prepared with each technique as well as their use in mass spectrometric work are discussed.