To a solution of 0.16 g (0.29 mmol) 4-[2-[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-5,6-difluoro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-(4,4-difluoro-cyclohexyl)-ethoxy]-3,5-dimethyl-benzonitrile in 4 ml o-xylene were added 0.198 g (1.44 mmol) triethylamine hydrochloride and 0.094 g (1.45 mmol) sodium azide and heated for 21 h at 150° C. (oil bath temperature). Another 0.198 g (1.44 mmol) triethylamine hydrochloride and 0.094 g (1.45 mmol) sodium azide were added and the reaction mixture was heated for another 4 h and after cooling down to room temperature stirred 3 days. The reaction was then poured onto 1M aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, the phases were separated and the aqueous phase extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The solid was suspended in acetonitrile, filtered, washed with acetonitrile and dried under high vacuum. White solid (77%). MS (Turbo Spray): m/z=599.194 [M+H].
