A solution of [(2-amino-5-bromo-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-(4-methoxy-benzyl)amino]acetic acid ethyl ester (13.0 g, 31.9 mmol) in DMSO (200 mL) was treated with NaH (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 1.30 g, 32.5 mmol). After stirring at room temperature overnight, the mixture was diluted with H2O (500 mL) and a precipitate formed. The solid was isolated by filtration, washed with H2O, and dried under vacuum at 50° C. for 6.5 h to give the title compound (7.16 g, 62%) as a tan powder: MS (ESI) m/e 362 (M+H)+.
