3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-propionic acid methyl ester is dissolved in toluene, 1.05 equivalents 2-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-ethylamine (commercially available) and 1.1 equivalents sodium methoxide (30% in methanol) are added. At normal pressure the reaction mixture is heated to a maximum of 110° C. and methanol distilled until full conversion is reached. The reaction mixture is washed with water and sulfuric acid. During cooling of the organic phase, the compound 3 crystallises and is filtered, washed with cold toluene and dried in vacuo at 50° C.
