A solution of 9.0 g of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-hydroxy-1,2-benzisoxazole in 25 ml of dimethylformamide is added with stirring to a suspension of 1.93 g of sodium hydride (50% suspension in oil) in 25 ml dimethylformamide. To the mixture is added 5.5 ml of ethyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropionate. The reaction mixture is stirred 24 hr at 80° C., poured onto ice/water and extracted with ether. The ether extracts are combined and washed with dil sodium hydroxide solution and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The solvent is removed in vacuo to give a yellow oil which crystallizes on standing. Recrystallization from ether affords ethyl 2-{[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,2-benzisoxazol-6-yl]oxy}-2-methylpropionate, mp 70° C.
