Processes for preparing intermediates

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

• wherein one of the groups R1 and R2 is cyclopropyl and the other is phenyl substituted by two or three groups, which may be the same or different selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, cyano, —(CR4R5)S(O)pR6, —S(O)pR6, C1-6alkoxy, C1-4haloalkoxy, C1-4alkyl, C1-4haloalkyl, 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl and —SF5;
• and R3 is C1-4alkyl comprising acylating a compound of formula III:
• with a compound of formula (IV):
• R2C(═O)X (IV)
• wherein X is a leaving group, wherein said process is performed using a magnesium halide in the presence of a base.

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

• wherein R1 is cyclopropyl or phenyl substituted by two or three groups, which may be the same or different selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, cyano, —(CR4R5)S(O)pR6, —S(O)pR6, C1-6alkoxy, C1-4haloalkoxy, C1-4alkyl, C1-4haloalkyl, 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl and SF5;
• wherein:
• p is zero, one, or two;
• R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;
• and
• R6 is C1-4alkyl;
• and
• R3 is C1-4alkyl,
• comprising reacting a compound of formula (V):
• wherein Y is a leaving group, with a compound of formula (VI):
• via the decarboxylation of a compound of formula (VII):

A compound having the formula (II):

• wherein one of the groups R1 and R2 is cyclopropyl and the other is phenyl substituted by two or three groups, which may be the same or different selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, cyano, —(CR4R5)S(O)pR6, —S(O)pR6, C1-6alkoxy, C1-4haloalkoxy, C1-4alkyl, C1-4haloalkyl, 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl and —SF5;
• wherein:
• p is zero, one, or two;
• R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;
• and
• R6 is C1-4alkyl;
• and R3 is C1-3alkyl.