A solution of 1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-3-hydroxy-3-methylbutan-1-one oxime (2 g) in methanol (70 ml) was cooled to -10° C. and molybdic acid (1.67 g) added with stirring. Sodium borohydride (2.7 g) was added portionwise. The temperature of the reaction mixture was maintained at 0° C. for 21/2 hours and then water (200 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was extracted with ether, the extract filtered, and the filtrate washed with water and dried. Removal of the solvents yielded an oil which was dissolved in ether. A solution of maleic acid in ether was added and a gum was formed which solidified to give 4-amino-4-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-2-methylbutan-2-ol maleate (m.p. 139°-144° C. (dec)).
