Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for preparing albuterol which comprises reacting a 5-(haloacetyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with 1,1-dimethylethanamine in an organic solvent and in an inert atmosphere to form 5-[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]acetyl]-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and reducing the carbonyl functions to the corresponding hydroxy groups to form albuterol.

Abstract: New intermediates and processes for preparing 6-halo-7,8-dihydroxy-1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepi nes involve the reaction of a p-methoxyphenylglyoxal, lower alkyl hemimercaptal with a 2-chloro-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine, followed by a borohydride reduction.

Abstract: New intermediates and processes for preparing 6-halo-7,8-dihydroxy-1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepi nes involve the reaction of a p-methoxyphenylglyoxal, lower alkyl hemimercaptal with a 2-chloro-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine, followed by a borohydride reduction.

Abstract: A process for preparing 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy phenyl)-2-(N-methylamino) ethanol hydrochloride is described by reacting 2,6-dimethoxyphenol with anhydrous chloral in the presence of a catalyst, hydrolyzing 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)2,2,2-trichloro ethanol and subsequently isolating the 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glyoxal thus obtained; finally, this compound, in the form of the bisulfite, is directly converted to the desired product by amination with methylamine in the presence of hydrogen with a hydrogenation catalyst and the final product is converted into the hydrochloride.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing amidine formation during reduction of organonitriles. The process comprises including a boron compound in the reaction medium in sufficient amount to complex the amidine compound as it is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts, N-oxides, hydrates and bioprecursors thereof, in which Y represents .dbd.O, .dbd.S, .dbd.CHNO.sub.2 or .dbd.NR.sub.3 where R.sub.3 represents hydrogen, nitro, cyano, lower alkyl, aryl, lower alkylsulphonyl or arylsulphonyl; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, which may be the same or different, each represent hydrogen lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxy, lower trifluoroalkyl, lower alkyl substituted by hydroxy, lower alkoxy, amine, lower alkylamino or dialkylamino, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 5 to 7 membered heterocyclic ring which may contain other heteroatoms or the group ##STR2## where R.sub.

Abstract: New compounds of the formula ##STR1## are disclosed wherein R.sub.1 =H, linear or branched alkyl-radical with from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl radical with from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, alkylphenyl radical where the phenyl group may be in turn substituted with a hydroxy or methoxy group;R.sub.2 =hydroxy, hydromethylR.sub.3 =H, alkyl with 1-4 carbon atoms, formyl, carboalkyl where the alkyl groups have 1-3 carbon atoms, carbomido group simple or mono- or di-substituted on the nitrogen atom with alkyl radicals containing 1-3 carbon atoms.The new compounds are useful in the treatment of bronchial affections. They are endowed with unique properties in that they provide the desired bronchial dilation effect without any concomitant cardiac stimulation.