A solution of methyl 4-[(E)-3-(1-tritylimidazol-2-yl)prop-1-en-1-yl]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzoate (5.78 g; 6.5 mmol), acetic acid (5 ml) and 12N HCl (5 ml) in methanol (100 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour 30 minutes. After evaporation to dryness, the residue was neutralised with aqueous NH4 OH, extracted with dichloromethane, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography, eluting with dichloromethane/ethanol (98/2) to give methyl 4-[(E)-3-(imidazol-2-yl)prop-1-en-1-yl]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzoate. Yield: 63%
