810 g of methyl-3 -(2-benzyloxy-5-methylphenyl)-3 -phenylpropionate and 3240 ml of toluene were stirred at 25-30° C. for about 20 minutes. 842.5 ml of VITRIDE® (sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride, 65% w/w in toluene) was added slowly to the reaction mass below 40° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere, and stirred for about 20-25 minutes. A solution of 1620 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1620 ml of water was added slowly to the reaction mass and stirred for 15-20 minutes. The aqueous layer was separated and extracted with toluene (810 ml). Combined organic layers were washed with 4050 ml of water and then with 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution (4050 ml). Organic layer was further washed with water (2×2430 ml) and the solvent was distilled under vacuum (about 600 mm Hg) below 100° C. 3240 ml of hexane was added to the residue at 30-40° C. and stirred for 2-3 hours. It was further cooled to 20-25° C. and stirred for 2-3 hours. Filtered the solid and washed with hexane (810 ml). Dried the solid at 25-30° C. under vacuum (about 600 mm Hg) for 2-3 hours to get 680 g of the title compound.
