A convenient synthesis of deuterium labeled amines and nitrogen heterocycles with KOt-Bu/DMSO-d6

H/D exchanges of arylmethyl amines and nitrogen heterocycles were conveniently achieved with KOt-Bu/DMSO-d6. The method is also applicable for phenyl benzyl ethers, diarylmethanes, and alkyl arenes. These H/D exchange reactions are suggested to proceed via a free radical pathway.