598278 Provided are processes for preparing intermediates of formula (I), (II) and (III) where R1, R2, R3, R4 and P are as defined in the specification, useful for preparing compounds of the formula (IV) where R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification. Further provided are crystalline 4&rsquo-(5-aminomethyl-2-ethoxy-4-ethylimidazol-1-ylmethyl)-3&rsquo-fluorobiphenyl-2-carboxylic acid t-butyl ester, crystalline 4&rsquo-{ 5-[((S)-2-acetylsulfanyl-4-methylpentanoylamino)methyl]-2-ethoxy-4-ethylimidazol-1-ylmethyl} -3&rsquo-fluorobiphenyl-2-carboxylic acid and a compound of formula (3) where R1, R2 and P are as defined in the specification. Further provided are compounds of formula (I), (II), (III) when prepared by the processes described.
