The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of 4α-acetoxy-2α-benzoyloxy-5β,20-epoxy-1β,13α-dihydroxy-7β,10β-dimethoxy-9-oxo-11-taxene (7β,10β-dimethoxy-10-deacetoxybaccatin III). The present invention also provides a novel process for the preparation of cabazitaxel.
