A mixture of 39.5 grams of 2-methylbenzhydrol, 200 ml of β-chloroethanol
and 10 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid is boiled under reflux for 4 hours.
After cooling, the reaction mixture is poured into water and extracted with
petroleum ether (boiling range 40° to 60°C). The layers are separated and the
ethereal solution dried with sodium sulfate. It is then filtered. The filtrate is
concentrated by evaporation of the solvent. The residue is distilled under
reduced pressure to give 51.0 grams (yield 98%) of β-chloroethyl-2-
methylbenzhydryl ether, boiling at 156° to 158°C/2.5 mm.
A mixture of 51 grams of β-chloroethyl-2-methylbenzhydryl ether and 35
grams of methylamine in 140 ml of methanol is heated for 6 hours in a closed
vessel at a temperature of 125° to 135°C. After cooling, the reaction mixture
is poured into water and extracted with petroleum ether (boiling range 40° to
60°C). The ether layer is separated and washed with a 2 N hydrochloric acid
solution. The acidic layer is made alkaline and extracted with ether. The
ethereal solution is separated and dried with sodium sulfate. After filtration,
the solvent is evaporated and the residue distilled under reduced pressure.
There is thus obtained 40 grams (yield 80%) of N-methylaminoethyl-2-
methylbenzhydrylether boiling at 139° to 143°C/0.7 mm.
The base is dissolved in anhydrous ether, and an ethereal solution of
hydrochloric acid is added to form the hydrochloride of N-methylaminoethyl-2-
methylbenzhydryl ether. The salt is crystallized from a mixture of ethanol and
ether. Yield is 36 grams (78%); melting point 147° to 148°C.
