In flask A postassium-tert-butoxide solution in THF was added to a solution of 2-hexyl-1H-indole and stirred for 30 minutes. In another flask B trifluoro acetic anhydride was added to a solution of 3(R)-methyl-pentanedioic acid monomethyl ester in methylene chloride and stirred for 20 minutes. The solution in flask A was transferred to solution in flask B and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours. The reaction was treated with saturated ammonium chloride and ethyl acetate. The product was purified by column chromatography.
