Suzuki coupling between 2-bromo-4-formylbenzonitrile (I) and 2-(trifluoromethyl)phenylboronic acid (II) affords the biphenyl aldehyde (III). The lithiated derivative of imidazole (IV) is then added to aldehyde (III), producing carbinol (V). Alkylation of (V) with the bromomethylpyridine (VI) by using Ag2O yields ether (VII). The chlorine atom of (VII) is finally displaced with 3-hydroxypiperidine (VIII) to provide the title compound.