propriate reducing agent for example LAH (Lithium Aluminum Hydride DIETHYL-2-4-(2,4-DIFLUOROPHENYL) MALONATE XVIII XVII TsCl (tosyl * * Chloride) py (pyridine) 2-(2,4-DIFLUOROPHENYL)-l ,3- PROPANEDIOL DI-P-TOSYLATE XIX ** Instead of tosylate, one can use any leaving group e.g. Br, I, Cl , 3- 2-(2,4-DIFLUOROPHENY (2 1 ,3-PROPANEDIOL DI- P-TOSYLATE XIII XIX Intermediates which are new and which are