Process for the preparation of fibrates

A process for the preparation of fibrates of formula (I)

• 5
• wherein R1 is a halogen atom, a 2,2-dichloro-cyclopropyl group, a (4-chlorophenyl)-hydroxymethyl group, a 4-chlorobenzoyl group or a 2-(4-chlorobenzamido)-ethyl group, and
• R2 is hydrogen or a C1-C4 alkyl group,
• which process comprises reacting an alkyl 2-bromo-2-methyl-propionate of formula (II)
• 6
• wherein R2 is as defined above,
• with a substituted phenol of formula (III)
• 7
• wherein R1 is as defined above,
• in the presence of potassium bicarbonate and of a solvent selected from C1-C4 alcohols and ketones, at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 100° C.