In one aspect of the invention, a compound of formula (IIB) wherein L is a halogen atom may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (IX): R2???OG (IX) wherein R2 is as hereinbefore defined for a compound of formula (I) and OG is a leaving group, for example an alkanesulphonate group such as a methanesulphonate group, with an anhydrous alkali metal halide such as anhydrous lithium bromide.