Process for the synthesis of (methoxy-1-naphthyl) acetonitrile and application in the synthesis of agomelatine

A process for the synthesis of a compound of formula (I)

• wherein 7-methoxy-1-naphthoic acid of formula (III):
• is subjected to the action of a reducing agent to yield the compound of formula (IV):
• the OH function of which compound of formula (IV) is converted into a leaving group and which is reacted with a cyanation reagent to yield the compound of formula (I), which is isolated in the form of a solid.