A mixture of 10.0 g (0.30 mole) α,α-bis(4-fluoropheny)-4-pyridineethanol of 1.2 g of 5% platinum on carbon catalyst in 200 ml of acetic and was shaken under an atomsphere of hydrogen (49 psi)for 16 hr. The solution was filtered through Celite®, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and dilute sodium hydroxide. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give an oil. This was dissolved in methanol, an excess of ethereal hydrogen chloride was added and ether was added. A precipitate was collected to give 7.58 g (72.4%)as a white, crystalline solid, m.p. 171°-173° C.
