Stereochemistry of beta-deuterium isotope effects on amine basicity.

Secondary beta-deuterium isotope effects on amine basicities are measured using a remarkably precise NMR titration method. Deuteration is found to increase the basicity of methylamine, dimethylamine, benzylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, 2-methyl-2-azanorbornane, and pyrrolizidine. The increase in dimethylamine arises entirely from enthalpy, contrary to a previous report.