A method for preparing a 7-quinolynyl-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoate useful as an
intermediate
for pharmaceuticals, in high yield and in high purity, is presented. It is a method
for preparing a 7-quinolinyl-3,5-dihydroxyhept-6-enoate represented by the formula
(IV):
##STR1##
(wherein R represents an alkyl group or an aryl group), characterized in
that a compound represented by the formula (I):
##STR2##
(wherein R is as defined above), or a compound represented by the formula
(II):
##STR3##
(wherein R is as defined above), is reduced by sodium borohydride in the
presence of a boron compound represented by the formula (III):
ROBR"2 (III)
(wherein R and R" represent independently an alkyl group), and then
the resultant reaction mixture is treated with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide.