A process for the preparation of delmopinol (3-(4-propylheptyl)-4-morpholinethanol) or a derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or a solvate thereof, including an hydrate, comprises reacting oxazolidin [2, 3-c] morpholine and a grignard reagent, and optionally converting the delmopinol (or derivative) free base into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The oxazolidin [2, 3-c] morpholine and the grignard reagent are useful as intermediates in the production process.