A new method for the synthesis of β-dimethylaminoethyl-benzhydryl ether (benadryl base) was developed. By warming benzhydrol and ethylene chlorohydrin in the presence of small amount of conc. H2SO4, β-chloroethyl-benzhydryl ether was produced in a good yield, which was followed by heating with alcoholic dimethylamine solution in a sealed tube, giving benadryl base. This method is also suitable for a large scale production.
