A solution of methyl 4-[(E)-3-(1-tritylimidazol-5-yl)prop-1-en-1-yl]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzoate (7.8 g; 10 mmol), 12N HCl (7.5 ml) and acetic acid (7.5 ml) in methanol (150 ml) was refluxed for 1 hour 30 minutes. After evaporation to dryness and neutralisation with an aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide, the residue was extracted with dichloromethane and purified by flash chromatography, eluting with a gradient 2-5% ethanol/dichloromethane to give methyl 4-[(E)-3-(imidazol-5-yl)prop-1-en-1-yl]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)benzoate. Yield: 20%.
