Process for stereoselective preparation of (-) - halofenate and intermediates therefor

A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I): in queR1 is a member selected from the group consisting of: ycada R2 is a member selected independently from the group consisting of (C1-C4) halo, (C1-C4), amino, alkylamino (C1-C4), amido, amidoalkyl (C1-C4) alkyl, (C1-C4) alkylsulfonyl, (C1-C4) sulfamyl, (C1-C4) heteroalkyl ( C1-C4), carboxy and nitro; the subscript n is 1 when R 1 has the formula (a) or (b) and 2 when R 1 has the formula (c) or (d); the subscript m is an integer of 0 3; * indicates a carbon which is enriched in one stereoisomeric configuration; andthe wavy line indicates the point of attachment of R1, the method comprising.