The subject-matter of the invention is a process for the preparation of substituted 4-methylbiphenyls of general formula: ##STR1## in which R is a cyano group or a protected tetrazolyl group of formula: ##STR2## in which R.sub.1, situated at the 1 or 2 position of the tetrazolyl group, is a protective group, characterized in that a halobenzene of formula: ##STR3## in which Hal is a halogen atom and R has the same meaning as above, is reacted with a p-tolylmagnesium halide in the presence of a linear or branched polyether and of a catalyst comprising a transition metal.
The present invention encompasses compounds of Formula I (I) ##STR00001## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein A is the base molecule of a propionic acid or acetic acid NSAID, or a derivative thereof, X is --CO.sub.2H, 1H-tetrazol-5-yl or 2H-tetrazol-5-yl and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of: C.sub.1-6alkyl and C.sub.3-6cycloalkyl, as well as pharmaceutical composition comprising said compounds and methods of using said compounds. The compounds of the present invention lower the level of A.beta..sub.42 and are therefore useful for preventing, delaying or reversing the progression of Alzheimer's Disease.
