Preparation of triazoles by organometallic addition to ketones and intermediates therefor

A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula:

• or an acid addition or base salt thereof, wherein
• R is phenyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo and trifluoromethyl;
• R1 is C1-C6 alkyl;
• and
• “Het” is pyrimidinyl optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, halo, oxo, benzyl and benzyloxy, comprising (a) reacting a compound of the formula:
• wherein R is as previously defined for a compound of the formula (I), with a compound of the formula
• wherein R1 and “Het” are as previously defined for a compound of the formula (I) and X is chloro, bromo or iodo, said reaction (a) taking place in the presence of zinc;
• at least one of iodine or a Lewis acid;
• and an aprotic organic solvent:
• optionally further reacting the resulting compound of step (a) with an acid or base to form the corresponding acid addition or base salt thereof.