To a -15° C. solution of 0.5 g. (1.31 mmols.) of 4-[2-benzyloxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)phenyl]-2-butanone in 5 ml. of methanol was added 50 mg. (1.31 mmols.) of sodium borohydride. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and then added to 100 ml. of saturated sodium chloride 150 ml. ether. The ether extract was washed once with 100 ml. of saturated sodium chloride, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated in an oil. The oil was purified via column chromatography on 100 g. of silica gel eluted with 1:1 ether:cyclohexane to yield 419 mg. (84%) of the title compound as an oil.
