Replacement Hydrogen with Deuterium element that a new synthesis of serial drugs

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors
Sura q. Al-kinany 1
Hussain Inayah Sharhan 2
Fatin Fadhel Mohammed Al-Kazazz 2
1 Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
2 Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
10.22059/jsciences.2026.398432.1007941
Abstract
The electrolysis of heavy water may produce deuterium (D), the naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen. Nature is rich in deuterium; the typical human body has more than 1 gram of this element. Human clinical trials examining pharmacokinetics and metabolism have extensively utilized deuterium, a stable and non-radioactive form of hydrogen. Within a pharmacological molecule, deuterium takes on the same size and shape as hydrogen, which is a crucial characteristic. Hence, chemical compounds that exhibit isotopic, structural, and kinetic consequences are the outcome of deuterium’s selective replacement of hydrogen. In turn, these activities provide deuterated molecules with unique medicinal characteristics. The potential for improved medication effectiveness, safety, and tolerability may be realized by enhancing the bond strength in particular modified molecules. This, in turn, can have a favorable effect on the ADME aspects of some pharmaceuticals. From a drug-development standpoint, this is one of deuterium’s most compelling properties. The structural change known as H/D exchange may improve the pharmacokinetic and/or toxicological properties of medications, making them more effective and safer than their non-deuterated counterparts.
Keywords
Aspirin
Deuterium
H/D exchange
Deuteration
Deuterium oxide
Subjects
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Journal of Sciences, Islamic Republic of Iran
Volume 36, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 111-126