Synthesis of diphenyl alkyl chain intermediates. Reagents and conditions: (a) Mg, I2, THF, reflux; (b) EtOH, HClconc, reflux; (c) CBr4, Ph3P, DCM, 0 °C to rt; (d) Pd/C (cat.), H2 (80 psi), EtOH, rt; (e) NaN3, acetone: water (2.2:1), rt; (f) Ph3P, anhydrous ether, water; (g) NH4OH, dioxane, 100 °C; (h) conc. H2SO4, conc. HNO3, −15 °C.