A solution of 3-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)indole (2.08 g) in 12 ml of DMF is added to a suspension of 0.528 g of 50% sodium hydride (dispersion in mineral oil) in 6 ml of DMF under nitrogen at 10°-15°. After complete addition the mixture is stirred at room temperature for 0.5 hour and is treated with a solution of 2.39 g of ethyl 3-(p-chloromethylphenyl)-2-methylacrylate in 5 ml of DMF dropwise. The resulting mixture is stirred at room temperature overnight and poured in 100 ml of water. The resulting mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate (2×50 ml) and the organic layer is washed with 100 ml of brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to yield 1-[p-(2-ethoxycarbonylpropen-1-yl)benzyl]-3-methyl-2-(3-pyridyl)indole.
