To a solution of 3-nitroaniline (28.8 g, 209 mmol, 1 equiv) in THF (1000 mL, 35 volumes), was added triethylamine (70 mL, 500 mmol, 2.4 equiv). 3-Nitroaniline can be obtained from Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis. A solution of 4′-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-2-carbonyl chloride (71.3 g, 250 mmol, 1.2 equiv) in THF (250 mL, 3.5 volumes) was added dropwise over 30 minutes. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 48 hours. The slurry was then filtered through diatomaceous earth and the filtrate was concentrated. Water (700 mL, 24 volumes) was added and the slurry was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The solids were collected by filtration and dried under vacuum at 40° C. to provide 4′-trifluoromethyl-biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid (3-nitro-phenyl)-amide (80.7 g, 100%) as a pale yellow powder.
