2-Substituted epichlorohydrins have been synthesized by starting with 1,2-dichloro acetone and various alkyl and aryl halides via dichlorohydrins followed by cyclization. The reactive 2-substituted epichlorohydrins were subjected to nucleophilic attacking of azide and cyanide ions to afford corresponding β-azido alcohols and α,β-unsaturated nitriles.