A convergent synthesis of NNRTI 1 is described. The key step involves a direct coupling of acid chloride 4 with Grignard reagent 11 in the presence of bis[2-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethyl] ether that moderates the reactivity of the Grignard reagent to give benzophenone 7. An efficient 2-step process for the preparation of 2-fluoro-3-methyl-4-aminobenzoic acid (3) is also described.