an improved method for preparing a compound having the formula ## str1 ## which is an intermediate in the preparation of dextromethorphan , the improved method comprises the steps of hydrogenating a compound having the formula ## str2 ## in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to obtain a compound having the formula ## str3 ## hydrogenating the product of step in the presence of a hydrogen treated rhodium catalyst to obtain a compound having the formula ## str4 ## reacting the product of step with 4 - methoxyphenylacetic acid to obtain a mixture of compounds comprising ## str5 ## dehydrating the product mixture of step .