Benzaldehyde → N-Benzyl-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylethan-1-amine

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Reaction Steps

In the first step 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine, benzaldehyde and formaldehyde are hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst, e.g. palladium on carbon, either at normal or slightly elevated pressure, preferably a pressure of 2-3 atm (0.2-0.3 MPa), and the temperature is room temperature or slightly elevated temperature, preferably 20°-30° C. As solvent is used an organic solvent, e.g. ethanol or an ethanol-methylenechloride (1:1)-mixture. The desired product, N-benzyl-N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine (II) is obtained in a very pure state, when it is precipitated as an acid addition salt, e.g. hydrobromide. As free base the product is oily and difficult to handle.

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