A mixture of 1.57 g (10 mmol) of 2-methyl-3-methoxy-4-chloropyridine, 2.52 g (13 mmol) of 2-(4-tert-butylphenoxy)ethanol and 15 ml of DMSO is added dropwise at 25° C. to 0.36 g (12 mmol) of NaH (80% strength) in 25 ml of DMSO. The mixture is then stirred at 60° C. for 5 hours. For working up, saturated ammonium chloride solution is added at 20° to 25° C. and the mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate. The reaction product is purified by chromatography (SiO2 ; EtOAc). Yield: 2.63 g (74.9%); m.p.: 84° to 87° C.
