| abstract |
The present invention provides a process for preparing atorvastatin hemi-calcium from an atorvastatin ester derivative with calcium hydroxide. The process is conveniently incorporated into a process for preparing atorvastatin hemi-calcium from an acetonide protected, ester protected β,δ-dihydroxy heptanoic acid precursor compound by a first acid hydrolysis step followed by base hydrolysis with calcium hydroxide. The latter process may be performed as a one-pot process. |