3-Methoxybenzyl bromide (0.02 mL, 0.172 mmol, d=1.436) and tetrabutyl ammonium iodide (catalytic amount) are added to a 0° C. suspension of 2-(2-Fluoro-phenoxy)-2-methyl-3-{4-[2-(3-methyl-2-oxo-imidazolidin-4-yl)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-propionic acid ethyl ester (0.051 g, 0.115 mmol) and sodium hydride (0.011 g, 0.287 mmol, 60% suspension on mineral oil), and pre-stirred for 1 h at ambient temperature. The reaction mixture is stirred at ambient temperature for 18 h, diluted with ethyl acetate, and washed with 1N HCl, water, and brine. The organic layer is dried over MgSO4, concentrated in vacuo, and carried into the next step. MS [EI+] 565 (M+H)+.
