Preparation of 3-[(1R,2R)-3-(dimethylamino)-1ethyl-2-methylpropyl]phenol

A process for preparing a compound corresponding to formula (VIII):

• wherein
• R1 represents H, C3-8 cycloalkyl, C1-6 alkylcarbonyl, tetrahydropyranyl, or C1-3 alkyl substituted with phenyl or naphthyl;
• or an acid addition salt thereof, said process comprising:
• a) acylating a compound corresponding to formula (VI):
• wherein
• R represents C3-8cycloalkyl, C1-6alkylcarbonyl, tetrahydropyranyl, or C1-3alkyl substituted with phenyl or naphthyl;
• with an acylating agent to yield a compound corresponding to formula (VII):
• b) hydrogenolyzing the compound of formula (VII) using a catalyst in an inert solvent in the presence of hydrogen to yield a compound of formula (VIII);
• c) if R1≠H, optionally deprotecting the group R1 of formula (VIII);
• and
• d) optionally converting the compound of formula (VIII) into an acid addition salt.