To a solution of [1-(4-cyanobenzyl)-1H-imidazol-5-yl]acetic acid. (4.09 g, 10.24 mmol), the amine hydrochloride salt from step E (5.07 g, 10.24 mmol), HOOBT (1.67 g, 10.24 mmol), and N-methylmorpholine (2.36 ml, 21.5 mmol) in DMF (50 ml) at 0° C., was added EDC (2.16 g, 11.26 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 18 hrs, diluted with EtOAc and the organic layer washed with sat. aq NaHCO3, brine, dried (Na2SO4), and the solvent evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed (SiO2, 3-4% MeOH in CH2Cl2) to afford the title compound as a white solid.
