Synthesis of isotopomers of l-DOPA and dopamine labeled with hydrogen isotopes in the side chain

The enzymatic synthesis of three isotopomers of L-DOPA labeled with deuterium and tritium at α carbon atom was elaborated. These compounds were converted into [(1S)-2H]-, [(1S)-3H]-, and doubly labeled [(1S)-2H/3H]- dopamines using enzyme tyrosine decarboxylase. Doubly labeled (1R) isotopologue, i.e., [(1R)-2H/3H]-dopamine, was afforded by enzymatic decarboxylation of authentic L-DOPA carried out in deuteriated and tritiated incubation medium. (author)