A process for the preparation of 3-bromo-4-fluoro-benzyl alcohol of the formula ##STR1## comprising reacting 3-bromo-4-fluoro-benzoic acid or a derivative thereof of the formula ##STR2## in which R is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical or an alkoxycarbonyl radical,with a complex hydride of the formulaM(M'H.sub.4)in whichM is lithium, sodium or potassium, andM' is boron or aluminum,at a temperature between about -20.degree. and +150.degree. C. When R is alkoxycarbonyl the starting material can be produced by reacting the corresponding free acid with a chloroformic acid ester. Compounds wherein R is alkyl or alkoxycarbonyl are new. The end product is a known intermediate for insecticides.