A solution of 7-bromo-1,1-dimethyl-4-p-tolyl-1,2-dihydro-naphthalene (Compound 4, 295 mg, 0.90 mmol) in 5 ml of THF was first degassed by bubbling with argon for 30 min. Tributyl(1-ethoxyvinyl)tin (650 mg, 1.80 mmol) and PdCl2(PPh3)2 (63 mg, 0.09 mmol) were added. After stirring at 80° C. for 18 h, the mixture was cooled to room temperature and 3 mL of 10% HCl was added. The mixture was then stirred for another 30 min before extraction with ethyl acetate (3×10 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine (1×10 mL), dried (MgSO4) and concentrated at reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography (80:20 hexane/ethyl acetate) afforded the title compound (248 mg, 95% yield) as a colorless oil:
