A stirred solution of methyl 3-bromo-4-methylbenzoate (2.6 g, 0.011 mole) in dry DMF (20 ml) under argon was treated with 4-boronobenzoic acid (1.85 g, 0.011 mole) and tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium(0) (400 mg), followed by triethylamine (4.68 ml, 0.046 mole). The mixture was heated at 100° C. for 18 hours, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated with ethyl acetate and extracted with 10% NaHCO3 solution. The basic extract was acidified with dil. HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a light orange solid (2.12 g, 85%).
