Novel benzylalcohol derivatives and processes for preparing the same

DETAILED DESCRIPTION What we claim is: 1.
A compound of the formula: ##STR11## wherein R is a lower alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.
2.
The compound of claim 1, wherein said compound is an optically active l-enantiomer.
3.
The compound of claim 1, wherein R is methyl.
4.
The compound of claim 3, wherein said compound is an optically active l-enantiomer.
5.
A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and the compound of claim 1, said composition capable of providing a decrease in blood sugar when administered to a warm blooded animal.
6.
A pharmaceutical composition consisting essentially of a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and the compound of claim 3, said composition capable of providing a decrease in blood sugar when adminstered to a warm blooded animal.
7.
The composition of claim 5 suitable for administration to a warm blooded animal providing for a dosage of said compound between 5 .
mu.
g and 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
8.
The composition of claim 5 suitable for administration to a warm blooded animal providing for a dosage of said compound between 20 .
mu.
g and 2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.




Description:
This invention relates to a novel benzylalcohol derivative and processes for preparing the same.
More particularly, it relates to a racemic mixture or an optically active .
alpha.
-(3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylaminomethyl)-2-alkoxybenzylalcohol, of the formula: ##STR3## wherein R is lower alkyl, and a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.
It is known that .
alpha.
-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenethylaminomethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzylalcohol and .
alpha.
-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethylaminomethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzylalcohol are prepared by hydrogenating the corresponding 3,4-dibenzyloxybenzylalcohol or 3,4-dibenzyloxyacetophenone in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium-carbon (U.
S.
Pat.
3869474 and Offenlegungsschrift 2420427)