Abstract: The invention provides a process for the purification and isolation of (RR,SS)-2-dimethylaminomethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol from mixtures also containing the (RS,SR) isomer comprising reacting the above mixture in a solvent at elevated temperature under acidic conditions, whereby the (RS,SR) isomer is selectively converted to the (RR,SS) isomer, 1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-dimethylaminomethylcyclohex-6-ene, 1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-dimethyl-aminomethylcyclohex-1-ene or a mixture thereof, selectively precipitating the desired (RR,SS) isomer as an amine acid salt, and recrystallizing the purified product.

Abstract: A process for the improved purification and separation of trans 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol hydrochloride from a reaction mixture containing the trans isomer, the cis isomer and Grignard reaction side products, comprising combining the mixture with a solution of hydrochloric acid in a low molecular weight alcohol or with gaseous hydrogen chloride in the presence of an organic solvent selected from medium molecular weight alcohols, ketones, esters and ethers or aromatic ethers, to effect the selective precipitation of trans 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanol hydrochloride.