To a solution of ethyl 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-oxopropionate (34.7 g, 115.5 mmol) in acetonitrile (300 ml) were added 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide (27.6 g, 115.5 mmol) and potassium carbonate (31.9 g, 231 mmol), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hrs. The reaction solution was diluted with water (1 L) and extracted with ethyl acetate (500 ml×2). The extract was washed with water and saturated brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. Hexane was added to the residue and the precipitated crystals were washed with hexane to give ethyl 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-oxo-2-((4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)methyl)propionate (31 g, 76%).
