To a solution of methyl 4-[2-((4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]benzoate (Example 1, Step 2) (1.0 g, 3.67 mmole) in DMF (10 mL) at 0° C. was added NaH (0.105 mg, 3.6 mmol). After stirring for 10 minutes at 0° C., cinnamyl bromide (0.71 g, 3.6 mmole) was added to the mixture. The reaction was stirred for r.t. for 1 h. and was then quenched with saturated ammonium chloride and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase dried (Na2SO4), filtered, and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to yield 1.02 g of the desired product.
