A solution of 1-phenyl-2-piperidinone from Step F in THF is added to a solution of one equivalent of LDA in THF at -78° C., and stirred for 30 min. A solution of 4-(3-hydroxy-1-propyl)-3-(1-triphenylmethyl-4--imidazolyl)propionate in methylene chloride is cooled to -78° C. under nitrogen. One equivalent of n-butyl lithium followed by one equivalent of triflic anhydride is added, the reaction stirred for 10 min, then added to the LDA/1-phenyl-2-piperidinone solution. The reaction is warmed to room temperature, and quenched with saturated ammonium chloride. The reaction is then partitioned between ethyl acetate and saturated brine. The organic phase is dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The title compound is isolated by chromatography on silica gel.
