One embodiment disclosed in the invention is the efficient synthesis of halogenated biaryl starting material via Grignard chemistry and the use thereof. Another embodiment of the invention is the reaction of catalyzed carbonylation of the 3'-(2'-halo-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl)-1,7'-dimethyl-2'-propyl-1H,3'H-[2,5']bibenzoimidazolyl (TLMH) using either gaseous carbon monoxide in a solvent mixture containing water; or formic acid salts optionally together with acetic acid in anhydrous solvent.