N-phthaloyl activated alpha-amino acids can be efficiently decarboxyla
ted with deuterium incorporation when irradiated in acetone/deuterium
oxide mixtures or by irradiation of predeuterated N-phthaloyl alpha-am
ino acids (8 examples). Deprotection (hydrazinolysis) of these compoun
ds leads to alpha-[H-2]-amines with 95-99% deuterium content.