Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for the preparation of compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: n is 0, 1 or 2;each R.sup.1 is independently halo or lower alkyl;R.sup.2 is nitro or --N(R.sup.3)R.sup.4 whereR.sup.3 is hydrogen or lower alkyl;R.sup.4 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylsulfonyl or --C(Y)R.sup.5 where Y is oxygen or sulfur and R.sup.5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or --N(R.sup.6)R.sup.7 where R.sup.6 is hydrogen or lower alkyl and R.sup.7 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxycarbonyl; orR.sup.3 and R.sup.4 together with N is pyrrolidino, piperidino, morpholino, thiomorpholino or piperazino, wherein the piperazino is optionally substituted at the 4-position by --C(O)R.sup.8 where R.sup.8 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or amino;or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are useful in treating disease-states characterized by hypercholesterolemia.