| abstract |
A compound of a 3,5,6-trihydroxyhexanoic acid derivative of the formula: <CHEM> wherein P<1> and P<2> are independently hydrogen atoms or hydroxy-protecting groups, or together form a ring, and R is an alkyl group is effectively prepared by a process comprising steps of: reacting a butyronitrile derivative of the formula: <CHEM> wherein P<1> and P<2> are the same as defined above with an alpha -haloacetate of the formula: X-CH2-COOR (III) wherein X is a halogen atom, and R is the same as defined above in the presence of a metallic catalyst selected from the group consisting zinc and zinc-copper to form a keto acid derivative of the formula: <CHEM> wherein P<1>, P<2> and R are the same as defined above, and then reducing the obtained keto-acid derivative of the formula (IV).n[EP0374922A2] |