Process for production of 1-aryloxy-aminopropane derivatives

A process for the preparation of 1-aryloxy-3-aminopropane derivative expressed by the formula ##STR26## wherein R is a straight or branched alkyl group of up to 6 carbon atoms or an aralkyl group of 7 to 9 carbon atoms;

• Z is a hydrogen atom, an alkoxymethyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety or a group represented by the formula ##STR27## wherein R.sup.9 is a hydrogen atom or an electron-donor group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a halogen atom and a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 1 to 3;
• and
• Ar is a member selected from the group consisting of indolyl groups and 1,4-benzodioxanyl groups,
• which comprises reacting in a non-aqueous reaction system a tertiary azetidinol derivative expressed by the formula ##STR28## wherein Z and R are as defined above, with a heterocyclic compound selected from the group consisting of hydroxyindols and hydroxy-1,4-benzodioxanes at a temperature of 130.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. in the absence of a catalyst or in the presence of not more than 1/10 mole of a basic catalyst per mole of the heterocyclic compound.