Forfenimex (CAS NO.: ), with its systematic name of (+)-(S)-2-(alpha,3-Dihydroxy-p-tolyl)glycine, could be produced through many synthetic methods.

Following is one of the reaction routes:

The partial reduction of dimethyl hydroxyterephthalate (I) with NaBH4 in refluxing methanol gives methyl-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)benzoate (II), which by reaction with 2,2-dimethoxypropane (III) by means of p-toluenesulfonic acid in benzene is converted into the benzo-1,3-dioxane (IV). The reduction of (IV) with sodium dihydro-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminate (V) affords the protected benzyl alcohol (VI), which is oxidized with CrO₃ to the benzaldehyde (VII). The reaction of (VII) with NaCN and ammonia in methanol yields the aminonitrile (VIII), which is finally hydrolyzed with Ba(OH)2 and afterwards with H₂SO₄.