Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (1) wherein Ar represents an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group comprising an aromatic moiety; and R1 and R2 each independently represent an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group; said process comprising: a) reducing a compound of Formula (2) to form a compound of Formula (3): b) activating the compound of Formula (3) to form a compound of Formula (4): wherein OX represents a leaving group; and c) coupling the compound of Formula (4) to a compound of Formula (5): to form a compound of Formula (1). A stereoselective reduction of ketones to alcohols is also disclosed.