To 4,4′-didocosoxy-benzophenone (28.3 g, 34.1 mmol) were added THF (300 mL) and methanol (15 mL), and the mixture was heated to 60° C. Sodium borohydride (6.10 g, 161 mmol) was added slowly, and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was ice-cooled and 1N hydrochloric acid (80 mL) was added dropwise. THF was evaporated, water (450 mL) was added and 1N hydrochloric acid was added to pH 5 to 7. The slurry was filtered, and the obtained crystals were washed with water and methanol to give 4,4′-didocosoxybenzhydrol (28.5 g, 34.1 mmol, 99%).
