The invention relates to methods and compositions for converting taxane amides to paclitaxel or other taxanes. In one alternative embodiment, the present invention comprises； (i) selectively protecting at least one OH group of a taxane amide； (ii) contacting the taxane amide with a transition metal compound to reduce the amide； (iii) contacting the reduced amide with an agent capable of substantially removing the transition metal； (iv) contacting the reduced amide with a hydrolyzing amount of acid to form a taxane amine salt in solution； (v) adding a sufficient amount of solvent to solidify the amine salt； and (vi) converting the taxane amine salt into paclitaxel or other taxanes.
