One-carbon 13C-labeled synthetic intermediates. Comparison and evaluation of preparative methods

Frequently the biggest stumbling block to the synthesis of a structurally complex labeled compound is obtaining the required low molecular weight, structurally simple, isotopic intermediates. Selection of a particular scheme from various alternatives depends on the available capabilities and quantity of product desired, as well as on anticipated future requirements and need for related compounds. Many of the newer reagents for organic synthesis can be applied effectively to isotopic preparations with improvements of yields and simplification of procedures compared to established classical methods. New routes developed for higher molecular weight compounds are sometimes not directly adaptable to the one-carbon analogs, either because of isolation difficulties occasioned by physical properties or by chemical reactivities peculiar to their being first members of homologous series. Various routes for preparation of carbon-13 labeled methanol, formaldehyde, and cyanide are compared