2-[(2-ethoxyphenoxy)methyl]morpholine hydrochloride

Manufacturing Process

2-Ethoxyphenol is first reacted with epichlorohydrin to give 1,2-epoxy-3-(o- ethoxyphenoxy)-propane. A mixture of crude (83%) 1,2-epoxy-3-(o-ethoxyphenoxy)propane (19.4 grams), 70.5 grams 2-aminoethyl hydrogen sulfate, 40.0 grams sodium hydroxide, 400 ml ethanol and 200 ml water is stirred at 60°C for 18 hours and is then evaporated to dryness. The residue is dissolved in 200 ml water and the mixture is extracted three times with 150 ml of diethyl ether each time. The combined extracts are dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to dryness, The crude product (21.5 grams) is dissolved in isopropanol (20 ml), 10.5 ml concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid and 75 ml ethyl acetate are added and the mixture is cooled. The mixture is filtered and there is thus obtained as solid product 2-(o-ethoxyphenoxymethyl) morpholine hydrochloride, MP 179° to 182°C (8.6 grams; 38% yield based on total epoxide used), according to US Patent 3,712,890.

Therapeutic Function

Psychotropic