摘要 |
A process for preparing a compound which is hydroxymethyl glutarayl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor (such as lovastatin, compactin or pravastatin), or a precursor thereof, is disclosed where a broth containing the inhibitor (or its precursor) resulting from fermentation is basified prior to filtration to remove the biomass. The resulting filtrate is contacted with an adsorbent resin, acidified and the compound extracted using toluene, in which it is subsequently lactonized to give the inhibitor. The toluene containing the compound is then washed twice, firstly with alkaline, and then secondly with acidified, water, before being isolated by crystallisation. |