hydrogen-deuterium exchange

Hydrogen-deuterium exchange is a chemical process where hydrogen atoms in a molecule are swapped with deuterium, a heavier isotope of hydrogen. This exchange can occur in water or other solvents where both hydrogen and deuterium are present. It’s useful in studying molecular structures and dynamics, as the physical and chemical properties differ slightly between hydrogen and deuterium. Scientists can track these exchanges using techniques like mass spectrometry, which helps them understand how molecules behave and interact in various environments, contributing to fields like drug development and biochemistry.