Methanol → HCID 67499138, compound

To a solution of 5-(benzoxazol-2-yl)-1-(3-methoxycarbonylphenylmethyl)-2-methylbenzimidazole (see Working Example 117-2) (125 mg, 0.315 mmol) in chloroform (3 mL) was added aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (1 M, 1 mL, 1 mmol). This two-layer solution was homogenized by the addition of methanol, and this was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. After the reaction was complete, the solution was concentrated, aqueous acetic acid solution was added, and this was stirred at room temperature. The precipitated crystals were filtered, and after washing with water were dried to yield the title compound (120 mg, 99% yield) as white crystals.