5-aminodibenzocycloheptene derivatives

Novel compounds of the formula wherein X stands for the radical -CH2.CHR- or -CH=CH-, wherein R stands for hydrogen or for an alkyl radical, wherein R1 stands for hydrogen or for an alkyl radical and wherein R2 stands for an alkyl or alkenyl radical, optionally substituted by a hydroxy radical, or wherein R1 and R2 are joined to form, together with the adjacent nitrogen atom, a heterocyclic ring, and wherein ring A may optionally be further substituted by a halogen atom or an alkyl radical, and the pharmaceutically-acceptable acid-addition salts thereof, are prepared by either, (a) reacting a compound of formula wherein X has the above meaning, Y stands for a halogen atom and ring A may be substituted as above, and an amine of the formula HNR1R2 wherein R1 and R2 have the meanings stated above; or (b) in the case of compounds of the first general formula above, where R1 stands for hydrogen and wherein R2 stands for the radical -CH.R3R4 and wherein R3 stands for hydrogen or an alkyl radical and R4 stands for an alkyl radical, optionally substituted by a hydroxy radical by interacting an amino derivative of the formula wherein X has the meaning stated in Claim 1 and wherein ring A may optionally be further substituted as above, and a carbonyl compound of the formula R3.CO.R4, wherein R3 and R4 have the meanings stated above, under reducing conditions. Compounds of the second general formula above are prepared by reacting the corresponding 5-hydroxy compound with a thionyl halide. Compounds of the second general formula above wherein Y is hydroxy are prepared by reduction of the corresponding keto compound. 2 - (1 - Methyl - 2 - phenyl ethyl) benzoic acid is prepared by reduction of the corresponding vinyl compound.