Partial Deuterium Labeling of Dimethacrylate Monomers

Summary. Methacrylic acid-d₅ was prepared in a yield of 30% with 98.6% deuterium incorporation using a two step synthesis. A solution of acetone-d₆ and KCN in D₂O was treated with glacial acetic acid to give the cyanohydrin of acetone-d₆. The latter compound was then dehydrated in anhydrous sulfuric acid at 120°C and subsequently hydrolysed in water at 90°C to form methacrylic acid-d₅. Hydrolysis of commercial nonaethyleneglycol dimethacrylate gave a mixture of ethylene glycols. These glycols were combined with methacrylic acid-d₅ in the presence of p-TsOH in benzene to form nonaethyleneglycol dimethacrylate-d₁₀ with ∼21% deuterium incorporation. Deuterated bisGMA was also prepared from methacrylic acid-d₅ and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A. Present address: Boron Molecular Pty Ltd, PO Box 756, Noble Park, VIC 3174, Australia