The invention relates to methods and compositions for converting taxane amides to paclitaxel or other taxanes. In one alternative embodiment, the present invention comprises; (i) selectively protecting at least one OH group of a taxane amide; (ii) contacting the taxane amide with a transition metal compound to reduce the amide; (iii) contacting the reduced amide with an agent capable of substantially removing the transition metal; (iv) contacting the reduced amide with a hydrolyzing amount of acid to form a taxane amine salt in solution; (v) adding a sufficient amount of solvent to solidify the amine salt; and (vi) converting the taxane amine salt into paclitaxel or other taxanes.