| abstract |
According to the invention, a process for the preparation of a statin is provided, comprising the following steps: n na) preparation of a compound of the formula II n nin which n S 1 denotes a hydrogen atom or a hydroxylprotective group, S 2 and S 3 , independently of one another, denote hydroxylprotective groups and R 1 represents a hydrogen atom or a carboxylprotective group, n nby stereoselective hydrogenation of a compound of the formula III n n nto give a compound of the formula II-a n nand optionally introduction of a hydroxylprotective group and n nb) lactonization of the compound of the formula II to give a compound of the formula I-a |