A method of making a compound of formula II comprising the reaction of a compound of formula RCONH2 with a compound of formula III R being a moiety having between 1 and 15 carbon atoms and optionally from 1 to 5 heteroatoms independently selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, and X and Y being independently selected front the group consisting of H, methyl, ethyl, OMe, OEt, and mixtures thereof; the reaction being performed in a solvent in the presence of a base. The method is useful for the inexpensive manufacture of certain commercially-valuable compounds, including some that have desirable cooling properties.