Process for preparing 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-(3(S)-hydroxy-3- (phenyl or 4-fluorophenyl)-propyl)-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2- azetidinone

摘要

A process for preparing a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is H or F, comprising: (a) alkylation of a 3-unsubstituted chiral azetidinone of the formula ##STR2## with cinnamyl bromide or 4- fluorocinnamyl bromide; (b) Wacker oxidation of the product of step (a); PP(c) reduction of the ketone product of step (b); and PP(d) debenzylation of the ketone of step (c).