To a DMF solution (30 ml) of 4-dodecyloxyphenylacetic acid (2.4 g, 7.5 mmol.) and 2-bromopropionic acid (1.5 g, 8 mmol.) was added potassium carbonate (1.5 g, 10 mmol.). The mixture was stirred at 80° C. for 2 hours. The reaction solution was cooled, to which was added water (50 ml). The mixture was subjected to extraction with IPE. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated under reduced pressure. The concentrate was purified by means of a silica gel chromatography (developing solvent: IPE) to give 1-ethoxycarbonylethyl 4-dodecyloxyphenylacetate (2-i, 2.4 g, 76%).
