In Reaction A, the benzofuran or benzothiophene represented by graphic formula III, having R3 as a C1 -C5 alkyl, is dissolved in a solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, and reacted with n-butyl lithium to form the lithium derivative represented by graphic formula IV. This material is reacted with a substituted or unsubstituted benzonitrile, represented by (R2)b PhCN, followed by hydrolysis to produce