A stirred solution of methyl 3-hydroxy-5-{[phenylmethyl]oxy}benzoate (7.5 g, 29 mmol), (R)-1-methoxy-butan-2-ol (3.76 g, 36.25 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (9.5 g, 36.25 mmol) in dry THF (75 mL) was cooled in an ice-bath and a solution of 40% DEAD in toluene (15.8 mL, 36.25 mmol) was added dropwise over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm slowly to 10° C. and stirred for 16 hours. The THF was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in 30% ethyl acetate in isohexane and cooled in ice. The resultant precipitate was removed by filtration and washed with 10% ethyl acetate in isohexane. The filtrate was evaporated and purified by column chromatography, eluting with 10% ethyl acetate in isohexane, to give the title compound as a colourless oil (6.85 g).
