Methods are provided for making Anagrelide base from 2,3-dichlorobenzaldehyde. A method is also provided for making an intermediate compound ethyl N-(2,3-dichloro-6-nitrobenzyl)glycine from 2,3-dichlorobenzaldehyde and for reducing the glycine compound using either SnCl2 or a specially defined catalyst. A cyclization method to form Anagrelide base from the corresponding iminoquinazoline compound is further provided.