NEW MATERIAL:The fluorenol derivative-alcohol complex of formula (X and Y are H, halogen, NO2, CN, COCH3, 1W4C alkyl or 1W4C alkoxy; R is alkyl, cycloalkyl or benzyl).

EXAMPLE: 9-(1-Propynyl)-fluoren-9-ol ethanol complex.

USE: An intermediate capable of separating and recovering anhydrous alcohol useful as an energy source from dilute alcohol solution obtained from biomass, etc., with small energy corresponding to the latent heat of evaporation of alcohol.

PREPARATION: The complex of formula I can be prepared by adding the fluorenol derivative corresponding to the formula to an alcohol solution under normal temperature and pressure. Since the complex slowly releases anhydrous alcohol by heating or evacuation, it is useful especially for the recovery of alcohol from a hardly separable aqueous solution of alcohol.