Roche Vitamins Inc.

Heinz Schneider

Robert Karl M&uuml;ller

Robert K Muller

A process for the production of a Mannich reagent comprises reacting formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, with a secondary amine in the complete or almost complete absence of a solvent. An alternative comprises reacting a diaminomethane produced from a secondary amine, formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, as well as water with one another in about equimolar amounts. The invention is also concerned with a process for the aminomethylation of &dgr;-tocopherol or of tocopherol mixtures containing this and comprises using a Mannich reagent which has been produced in the above manner. After completion of this aminomethylation process excess Mannich reagent can be separated by distillation and can be reacted with water and formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, in order to regenerate further Mannich reagent suitable for use in the aminomethylation, this regeneration representing a further aspect of the invention. Finally, the invention includes certain novel bis(aminomethyl)-&ggr;-tocopherols.

Aminomethylation of tocopherols

A process for the production of a Mannich reagent comprises reacting formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, with a secondary amine in the complete or almost complete absence of a solvent. An alternative comprises reacting a diaminomethane produced from a secondary amine, formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, as well as water with one another in about equimolar amounts. The invention is also concerned with a process for the aminomethylation of .delta.-tocopherol or of tocopherol mixtures containing this and comprises using a Mannich reagent which has been produced in the above manner. After completion of this aminomethylation process excess Mannich reagent can be separated by distillation and can be reacted with water and formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, in order to regenerate further Mannich reagent suitable for use in the aminomethylation, this regeneration representing a further aspect of the invention. Finally, the invention includes certain novel bis(aminomethyl)-.gamma.-tocopherols.

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Oberwil, Switzerland

Heinz Schneider