The present invention provides a process for the preparation of the compound l-[5-(3-chloro-phenyl)-isoxazol-3 -yl] -ethanone: wherein the compound ethyl 5-(3-chlorophenyi)-isoxazole-3-carboxylate of the formula dissolved in a solvent, is reacted with CH3MgX dissolved in a solvent, wherein X is chlorine or bromine, thereby providing the compound l-[5-(3-chloro-phenyl)-isoxazol-3-yl]-ethanone dissolved in said solvent.