Process for the Preparation of (5-Fluoro-2-methyl-3-quinolin-2-ylmethyl-indol-1-yl)-Acetic Acid Esters

A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I):

• wherein R1 is C1-C6 alkyl or benzyl;
• the process comprising
• i. reacting a compound of formula (II):
• wherein R1 is as defined for formula (I);
• with 2-quinoline carboxaldehyde under acidic conditions and at a temperature of ≦10° C.;
• to give an acid addition salt of a compound of formula (III):
• wherein R1 is as defined for formula (I);
• ii. when the reaction of (i) is substantially complete, treating the acid addition salt with a base to obtain the alcohol of formula (III), while maintaining the temperature at ≦10° C.;
• and
• iii. reacting the compound of formula (III) with a reducing agent to give a compound of formula (I).