The reaction of 4-(5-iodo-2-methylbenzoyl)-3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid (I) with imidazole (II) by means of K2CO3, KF and Cu in DMF at 135 C gives 4-[5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzoyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid (III), which is then reduced with NaBH4 in hot aqueous NaOH.