Mono: and bis:hydroxy-methyl phenol derivs.

Prodn. of new salicyl alcohol derivs. of formula (I) comprises hydroxymethylation of cpds. of formula (II):- In the formula, R1=H or CH3. R2 = 5-8C alkyl or -CH2CH2-p-C6H4-Z. Z = H, F OR Cl. m = 5 or 6. X' = H or CH2OH. The cpds. with different values or R4 are then sepd. and opt. (where X' = COOH), converted into salts with (in)organic bases. Cpds. with X'=COOH can also be esterified to X'=COR3 (R3=lower alkoxy) or converted to quaternary ammonium salts. (I) have uterus-stimulating (viz abortion-, labour- or menstruation-inducing) and hypotensive activities. The usual dose for large mammals is 10-500 mg/day.