Pyridine → Flucythrinate

A solution of 2-(4-difluoromethoxyphenyl)-3-methylbutyryl chloride (4.82 g) in methylene chloride (10 ml) is added to a methylene chloride solution (10 ml) of α-cyano-m-phenoxybenzyl alcohol (4.05 g) and pyridine (1.5 ml). The mixture is stirred for approximately 60 hours and filtered. The filtrate and the washings are evaporated and the residual oil (6.29 g) is purified on a silica column using 1:1 methylenechloride-hexane as an eluant. The solvent is evaporated and the residue treated with sodium borohydride. The resulting crude material is purified on a silica gel column to yield 2.01 g of product.