A solution of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-bromoethanone, (Example 1, Step 3) (4.01 g, 11.8 mmol) and 3,5-dichlorophenoxy thioacetamide (2.80 g, 11.9 mmol) in 20 mL of acetonitrile and 10 mL of ethanol was heated to reflux for 1.2 hours. The solution was diluted with methanol, cooled to 0° C. in an ice bath and a precipitate formed that was removed by filtration to provide pure 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-((3,5-dichlorophenoxy)methyl)thiazole (4.19 g; 74%) which was used directly in the next step: mp 104.5°-105.0° C.; Mass spectrum M+H=476.
