Efficient routes to isotopically labelled epichlorohydrins ((chloromethyl) oxiranes)

Efficient routes are developed for the synthesis of variously labelled 2 H‐ and 13 C‐ labelled epichlorohydrins prepared from appropriately labelled acetic acids and sodium borodeuteride. The route is versatile and can be used for strategic location of isotopes at C‐1, C‐2 and C‐3 of epichlorohydrin. By way of demonstration [2‐ 13 C]‐, [2‐ 2 H]‐, [3‐ 2 H 2 ] and [2‐ 2 H, 3‐ 2 H 2 ]‐ epichlorohydrins have been prepared. In addition the syntheses can be adapted for the preparation of enantiomerically pure and isotopically labelled epichlorohydrins.