A method for the synthesis of serinol and serinol derivatives substituted at the nitrogen atoms by reacting a lower 1,3-dialkoxy-isopropyl halide with ammonia or an amine to form a 1,3-dialkoxy-isopropylamine and then removing the ether groups by heating with a hydrogen halide acid. The method allows the production of serinol and serinol derivatives using inexpensive starting materials in a simple manner and obtaining a high purity product which is free of interfering isomers. Novel compounds obtained by the method which are useful as pharmaceutical intermediates, X-ray contrasting agents and cytostatic or psychopharmacological drugs are also disclosed.