Isotopically pure [D6]-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine derivatives were selectively and rapidly formed using microwave-assisted regioselective deuteration of the methyl moieties of the parent bipyridine in a deuterium oxide solution. For instance, [D6]-4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine was formed in quantitative yield within 15 minutes, in a simple and convenient process.
