Paclitaxel is isolated by a process including normal phase chromatography using a polyamide stationary phase and a mixture containing a dialkyl ketone and a less polar solvent as a mobile phase. Suitable dialkyl ketones include acetone or methyl isobutyl ketone. Suitable less polar co-solvents include a (C.sub.5-C.sub.8) aliphatic hydrocarbon, a (C.sub.6-C.sub.8) aromatic hydrocarbon, a (C.sub.1-C.sub.4) dialkyl ether or their mixtures.