Abstract: The present invention provides a novel hydrogenation catalyst, process of preparing the catalyst and process for the preparation of optically active L-norephedrine, [(1R,2S)-2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanol] by a catalytic hydrogenation process, said catalyst comprising of finely divided nickel metal containing a metal from group III A of the periodic table as an activator and a metal from group VI B or VIII as promoter,

Abstract: A process for synthesis of R-(?)-N,?-Dimethylphenethylamine (Levmetamfetamine, formula I), or S-(+)-N,?-Dimethyl phenethylamine (Methamphetamine, formula II), from d-ephedrine of formula III or l-ephedrine formula IV, the process comprising the steps of (a) acylating the d- or l-ephedrine base of formula III or formula IV with an acylating agent to make a reaction mixture containing a N-acylated ephedrines of formula V or formula VI; (b) deoxygenation of N-acylated ephedrines to make the compound of the formula VII or Formula VIII by using Raney Nickel catalyst; and (c) acid hydrolysis of the above deoxygenated products to get the levmetamfetamine or methamphetamine.

Abstract: An efficient cost-effective process for preparation of 1-erythro-2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanol from 1-1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-propanone, which comprises converting 1-1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-propanone to 1-1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-propanone oxime and reducing the oxime with a catalyst consisting of finely divided nickel and aluminium metals giving good diastereomeric purity and yield.

Abstract: An efficient cost-effective process for preparation of 1-erythro-2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanol from 1-1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-propanone, which comprises converting 1-1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-propanone to 1-1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-propanone oxime and reducing the oxime with a catalyst consisting of finely divided nickel and aluminium metals giving good diastereomeric purity and yield.