A solution of methyl 2-(benzyloxy)-5-[(1R)-2-bromo-1-hydroxyethyl]benzoate (71.0 g, 195 mmol), imidazole (18.5 g, 272 mmol), tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (32.2 g, 214 mmol) and 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine (440 mg, 3.60 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (270 ml) was left to stir at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere for a period of 24 hours. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (500 ml) and water (500 ml). The organic phase was separated and washed with 2N aqueous hydrochloric acid (2×500 ml), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×500 ml), brine (500 ml), dried (magnesium sulfate) and the solvent removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a colourless oil (91.0 g).
