The reaction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-tert-butylaminomethyl ketone (I) with sodium ethoxide in DMF gives the corresponding disodium salt, which without isolation is condensed with p-toluyl chloride (A) to yield 3,4-bis(p-toluyloxy)phenyl-tert-butylaminomethyl ketone hydrochloride (II); this salt is then reduced with H2 over Pd/C in ethanol or with sodium borohydride in methanol.