2′-Bromomethyl-biphenyl4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was synthesized as described for 4′-bromomethyl-biphenyl-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester. 2′-Methyl-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (4.4 g, 18.31 mmol, 1 eq.) in carbon tetrachloride was treated with N-bromosuccinimide (3.58 g, 20.14 mmol, 1.1 eq.), and 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (0.15 g, 0.92 mmol, 5 mol %). When complete, the reaction was worked up as described leaving 2′-bromomethyl-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (5.77 g, 99% yield) as a yellow oil.
