Method for producing 1,4-diphenyl azetidinone derivatives

The present invention is directed to the preparation of novel compounds useful in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, and other related metabolic disorders. More specifically, the present invention is a novel process for the preparation of 1,4-diphenylazetidinone derivatives from β-substituted amino amides which are protected in the presence of silylating agents and at least one cyclization catalyst whose structural formula is represented by one of the general formula: wherein the various R-groups are defined herein.