METHOD FOR PRODUCING ESTERS OF HOMOVANILLIC ACID

The present invention primarily relates to a method for producing a compound of formula (I) and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof from vanillylmandelic acid and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. The present invention further relates to the simultaneous use of one or more iodide salt(s) or hydrate(s) thereof, one or more reducing agent(s), one or more inorganic and/or organic acid(s) other than phosphonic acid, and methanol and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof or an alcohol of formula (II) as defined herein and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof for converting vanillylmandelic acid and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof into a compound of formula (I) and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof or into a compound of formula (III) as defined herein and/or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof.