Bromination of 3-cyano-6-methyl-2-pyridone (I) by means of N bromosuccinimide (NBS) in 1,2-dichloroethane affords the 5-bromopyridone (II). Subsequent Suzuki coupling of (II) with 3-chlorophenylboronic acid (III) yields the 5-phenylpyridone (IV). Radical bromination of (IV) with NBS and AIBN produces the bromomethyl derivative (V). This is then converted to alcohol (VI) upon refluxing in aqueous dioxane in the presence of celite

Lithiation of 1-methylimidazole (VII), followed by quenching with triethylchlorosilane provides the 2-silyl imidazole (VIII). After metalation of (VIII) with tert-butyllithium, condensation with 4-cyanobenzaldehyde (IX) gives rise to the carbinol (X). Finally, coupling between alcohols (VI) and (X) in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid in refluxing toluene leads to the desired ether adduct.