A 1 M solution of 3-methoxyphenylmagnesium bromide in tetrahydrofuran (9.25 ml, 9.25 mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of 1-dimethylamino-4-[1-(1-ethoxy-ethoxy)-2-phenylethyl]cyclohexanecarbonitrile (1.06 g, 3.1 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (15 ml), while cooling with ice and under an argon atmosphere. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h and thereafter water and saturated ammonium chloride solution (10 ml of each) were added. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (3×10 ml). The combined organic phases were dried with sodium sulfate and concentrated i. vac.
