There is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula III, comprising the step of oxidising the compound of formula 2b wherein n is 2; R2a and R2b are independently H or F; R3 is 1-methylcyclopentylmethyl or 1-fluorocyclopentylmethyl; R3' is CH3 or F; R4 is C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6haloalkyl or C3-C6cycloalkyl, wherein C3-C6cycloalkyl is optionally substituted with methyl, CF3 or one or two fluoro. Compounds and processes used in the preparation of a compound of formula III are also provided.