To a solution of methyl 5-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(methylcarbamoyl)-6-nitrobenzofuran-5-yl)-2-methoxybenzoate (200 mg, 0.418 mmol) in THF (12 mL)/water (4.0 mL) at room temperature was added sodium hydroxide (1.045 mL, 2.090 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 50° C. and maintained at the same temperature for overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum to remove the solvent. The residue was diluted with water, acidified with 1.5 N HCl. The solid obtained was filtered and dried under suction. Yield: 175 mg (86%). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 12.81 (br. s, 1H). 8.58 (q, J=4.52 Hz, 1H), 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.08-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=2.51 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (dd, J=8.66, 2.38 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 2.85 (d, J=4.77 Hz, 3H).
