Intermediate compounds and processes for the preparation of tapentadol and related compounds

The present invention discloses processes for the preparation of 3-[(1,2)-3-(dimethyl- amino)-1-ethyl-2-methylpropyl]phenol (Tapentadol), salts thereof and related compounds of formula (A), including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and to certain intermediates used in such process.