Abstract: The preparation of compounds having the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is --CN, --CO--N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or --CS--N(CH.sub.3).sub.2 and R.sup.2 is hydrogen, methyl or a removable protecting group is carried out by condensing a compound having the formula ##STR2## where M is lithium, sodium, potassium or halomagnesium and R.sup.3 is methyl or a removable protecting group in a solvent comprising 80-100% of one or more hydrocarbons and 0-20% of one or more ethers.The solvent enables less inconvenient reaction temperatures to be used and higher yields to be obtained. Compounds (I) are new per se where R.sup.1 is --CS--N(CH.sub.3).sub.2. Compounds (I) are chemical intermediates for preparing N,N-dimethyl-2-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-methoxyphenyl) ethylamine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These end products are antidepressants.