9.2 g (19.3 mmol) of methyl 2-hydroxy-3-(2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethoxy)-3,3-di(4-ethylphenyl)propionate were dissolved in 26 ml of dioxane, and 13 ml of 3 N NaOH solution were added. The mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 3 hours. Water was added to the mixture, and the aqueous phase was extracted twice with ether. The aqueous phase was acidified with 1 N aqueous HCl and extracted with ether, the organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was distilled off. 6.5 g (71%) of a yellowish oil were isolated and were immediately reacted further.
