Provided is an efficient method for the preparation of 3-aryloxy-3-arylpropylamines, their optical stereoisomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The process allows for the isolation of 3-aryloxy-3-arylpropylamines in high yield and purity. The present invention further relates to a process for producing fluoxetine, tomoxetine, norfluoxetine, duloxetine, nisoxetine, and their optically enriched (R)-- and (S)-enantiomers.