A solution of compound (2-Chloro-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-diphenylethyl-amine (2.5 g, 6.5 mmol) and 1,3-dibromo propane (3.2 ml, 32 mmol) in acetonitrile (300 ml) was treated with solid potassium carbonate (1.8 g, 13 mmol). The reaction was heated to reflux and stirred for 48 h. Upon cooling to room temperature, the reaction was filtered through a pad of celite, washed with EtOAc, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc:Hexane/20:80) to give the title compound as an oil (2.2 g, 67%). MS m/e 510.6 (M+H)+.
