PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF HMG-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS

摘要

Disclosed is a process for producing a compound represented by general formula (II-a): (see formula I) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or an alkali metal; and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (II-a)] or the lactone form of Compound (II-a) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (II-b)] which comprises subjecting a compound represented by general formula (I-a): (see formula II) (wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or an alkali metal; and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl group) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (I-a)] or the lactone form of Compound (I-a) [hereinafter referred to as Compound (I-b)] to the action of an enzyme source derived from a microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus and capable of converting Compound (I-a) or Compound (I-b) into Compound (II-a) or Compound (II-b) in a reaction mixture to form Compound (II-a) or Compound (II-b) in the reaction mixture, and recovering Compound (II-a) or Compound (II-b) from the reaction mixture.