Process for preparing isoxazole compounds

A process for preparing an isoxazole compound of the formula (I):

• the process comprising:
• contacting a nitroaryl of the formula (II):
• with an alkyl acetoacetate of the formula (III) or a salt thereof:
• in the presence of an activating agent and a base, under conditions sufficient to provide the isoxazole compound,
• wherein
• Ar is phenyl, naphthyl, or biphenyl, each of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2, or 3 groups independently selected from methyl, chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo and trifluoromethyl;
• R1 is C1-C8 alkyl or cycloalkyl;
• and
• R2 is C1-C12 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, each of which is optionally substituted with halogen or trifluoromethyl.