Process for the preparation of 1.beta.-ethyl-1.alpha.-(hydroxymethyl)-1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12B.alpha.-octahyd ro-indolo[2,3,-A]quinolizine and novel intermediates

A process for the preparation of an optically active compound of the Formula (I) ##STR16## which comprises the steps of:

• (a) asymmetrically transforming a compound of the Formula (II) ##STR17## at a temperature near room temperature with about an equimolar amount of formaldehyde or with a polymerized form thereof, and with (-)-L-dibenzoyl-tartaric acid monohydrate, which is a resolving agent, wherein the compound of the Formula (II) is employed slightly in excess of the equivalent amount of the resolving compound to obtain a crystalline optically active salt of the Formula (IV) ##STR18## having a desired optical activity and an optically active salt of the Formula (V) ##STR19## having an undesired optical activity dissolved in a mother liquor;
• and (b) separating the crystalline optically active salt of the Formula (IV) from the mother liquor containing the optically active salt of the Formula (V) and reducing the optically active Formula (IV) salt to obtain the compound of the Formula (I).

A process for the preparation of an optically active compound of the Formula (I) ##STR20## which comprises the steps of:

• (a) asymmetrically transforming a racemic salt of the Formula ( IIa ) ##STR21## with about an equimolar amount of formaldehyde or with a polymerized form thereof, at a temperature near room temperature in the presence of a base to obtain a crystalline optically active salt of the Formula (IV) ##STR22## having a desired optical activity, and an optically active salt of the Formula (V) ##STR23## having an undesired optical activity dissolved in a mother liquor;
• and (b) separating the crystalline optically active salt of the Formula (IV) from the mother liquor containing the optically active salt of the Formula (V) and reducing the optically active Formula (IV) salt to obtain the compound of the Formula (I).