Organic Deuterium Compounds: Xiv. Preparation of Deuterated Methyl Benzenes

The synthesis of toluene-α-d3, o-chlorotoluene-α-d3, and m-xylene-α,α′-d6 from benzotrichloride, o-chlorobenzotrichloride, and α,α′ hexachloro-m-xylene respectively is reported using zinc and acetic acid-d as the dechlorinating agent. The preparation of acetic acid-d of optimum isotopic purity is described.