A solution of trans-5,6-dichloro-1-isopropyl-2-indanol (0.73 g), in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (7 ml) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (0.24 g, oil free) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (10 ml). The mixture was stirred for 40 minutes and a solution of 2-(bromomethyl)-6-phenoxypyridine (0.84 g) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added, followed by a catalyst amount of tetra-n-butylammonium iodide, The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, mixed with water (100 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether (3×50 ml). The combined ether extracts were dried (MgSO4) and condensed under reduced pressure to give an oil which was purified by flash chromatography to give trans-5,6-dichloro-1-isopropyl-2-((6-phenoxypyridin-2-yl)-methoxy)-indane (1.07 g).
