Disclosed is a method for preparing serinol (2-amino-1,3-proanediol). From
nitromethane, para-formaldehyde and sodium hydroxide,
1-nitro-1,3-propanediol sodium salt is prepared as a medical intermediate.
In a fixed bed, this intermediate is allowed to undergo the continuous
hydrogenation of 2-nitro-1,3-propanediol sodium salt and methanol as shown
in reaction (1). In addition to being simple, the method is economically
favorable and affords the high yield and high purity of serinol.