The condensation between 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde (I) and 3-aminopyridine (II) yields the corresponding benzalimine (III). The phenolic hydroxyl group of (III) is then protected as the silyl ether (IV) by using t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride and imidazole. Condensation of imine (IV) with the lithium derivative of diethyl methylphosphonate (V) affords the beta-amino phosphonate (VI). Finally, desilylation of (VI) with tetrabutylammonium fluoride and acetic acid provides the target phenol.