Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of DL-.beta.-aryl-amino acids of the general Formula ##STR1## wherein R, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 stand for hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, nitro or C.sub.1-4 dialkylamino; wherebyin the case of monosubstituted derivatives R and R.sub.1 are hydrogen and R.sub.2 has the same meaning as stated above and can be attached to position 2, 3 or 4 related to the methylene group;in the case of disubstituted derivatives R is hydrogen and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have the same meaning as stated above and are attached to positions 2,3; 2,4; 2,5; 2,6; 3,4 or 3,5 related to the methylene group;in the case of trisubstituted derivatives R, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have the same meaning as stated above and are attached to positions 2,3,4; 2,3,5; 2,3,6; 3,4,5 or 3,4,6 related to the methylene group.