To a mixture of 2-[[3-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)methoxy]-5-isoxazolyl]methoxy]nicotinaldehyde (1.64 g), tetrahydrofuran (20 ml) and ethanol (20 mL) was added sodium borohydride (80 mg) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. Water was added to the reaction mixture, and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration and recrystallized from ethyl acetate-isopropyl ether to give colorless needle crystals (1.50 g, 91%) of [2-[[3-[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl)methoxy]-5-isoxazolyl]methoxy]-3-pyridyl]methanol. melting point: 136-137° C.
