The reaction of 1-(diphenylmethyl)piperazine (I) with 3,4-dimethoxyphenacyl bromide (II) by means of triethylamine in isopropanol gives alpha-[4-(diphenylmethyl)-1-piperazinyl]-3,4-dimethoxyacetophenone (III), which is then reduced with NaBH4 in ethanol-CHCl3.