The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3- cyanopropanoic acid (compound (A)) and further its transformation to Baclofen (I). The process comprises reaction of compound (II) with Glyoxylic acid to obtain 3- (4-chlorophenyl)-3- cyanoacrylic acid (HI) followed by the in-situ reduction of (HI) in the presence of a reducing agent to provide the compound (A). Alternatively, the compound (A) is obtained by the process comprising reacting 2-(4- chlorophenyl)acetonitrile (II) with haloacetic acid (IV) in the presence of a base. The compound 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-cyanopropanoic acid (A) undergoes hydrogenation in the presence of a metal catalyst and ammonia solution to provide Baclofen (I).
