Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the preparation of atorvastatin. Atorvastatin is known by the chemical name [R—(R*,R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-?,?-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl-4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid. The hemi-calcium salt of atorvastatin is useful as an inhibitor of the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase). The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions that include the atorvastatin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and to use of said compositions for treating hypolipidemia, hypocholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.