an improved process for the preparation of 5 -- 1 -- 4 - hydroxy - 6 - oxo - tetrahydro - pyran - 2 - yl )- ethyl ]- 2 - isopropyl - 4 - phenyl - 1h - pyrrole - 3 - carboxylic acid phenylamide by a novel synthesis is described where methyl cyanoacetate is converted in eight operations or fewer to the desired product , as well as other valuable intermediates used in the process .