| abstract |
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, by reacting a compound of formula (II), with a bromine or chlorine source to form a compound of formula (III), wherein X is chlorine or bromine; reacting that compound with water to form the compound of formula (IV), converting that compound, using a compound of formula (V), wherein M+ is the hydrogen cation or an alkali metal ion, alkaline earth metal ion or ammonium ion, into the compound of formula (VI), and treating that compound with a cyanide source in the presence of a base. |