A process for the preparation of a benzhydrol derivative and a novel intermediate for use therein.

摘要

2-{[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl]-amino}-methylbenzhydrol, which is used as an intermediate when producing 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-5-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-2,5-benzoxazocine-hydrochloride or nefopam, which is used as a muscle relaxant, an analgesic or antidepressive drug, is advantageously made by reacting 2-chloromethylbenzophenone with methylethanolamine, and reducing the thus produced 2-{[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl]-amino}-methylbenzophenone with sodium borohydride.