| abstract |
A method for preparing a statin compound by lactonization is disclosed, which comprises the following step: lactonizing a compound of formula II into the compound of formula I in the presence of a strong acid catalyst and a dehydrant in a first solvent, n n n n n n n n n n n n wherein Z represents H, ammonium, or a metal cations; n R 1 is H or C 1 -C 6 alkyl, preferably H or CH 3 , n R 2 is CH 3 , OH, CH 2 OH, CH 2 OC(O)R 3 , CH 2 OR 3 , or COOR 4 , preferably CH 3 or OH, n R 3 and R 4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C 1 -C 6 alkyl. |