To a stirred solution of 3,5-bis(3-chlorophenyl)-4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzoic acid ethyl ester (2.009 g, 4.658 mmol) in THF (30 ml) and ethanol (15 ml) was added 1N KOH (9.32 ml). After ˜20 h, the reaction was concentrated in vac. The residue was diluted with water (40 ml) and acidified with 2N HCl (9.32 ml). After 2 h, the solids were collected, rinsed with water, dissolved in EtOAc, dried over Na2SO4, filtered, concentrated in vac, and the residue dried to give the desired product as a white solid (1.708 g, 91%); mp 184-192 (partial melt), solidifies, and melts 200−202° C.; 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ3.12 (q, J=4 Hz, 2H), 3.28 (t, J=4 Hz, 2H), 4.45 (t, J=4 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.60 (m, 6H), 7.70 (s, 2H), 7.91 (s, 2H), 13.10 (s, 1H).
