A process for the preparation of amorphous atorvastatin calcium. The process includes providing a reaction mixture having a pH between 6.5 and 8.0 containing a sodium salt of atorvastatin and tetrahydrofuran. A non-cyclic chlorinated organic solvent selected from the group consisting of dichloromethane, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane and chloroform or addition of cyclic hydrocarbon solvent selected from the group consisting of cyclohexane, cyclopentane and methyl cyclohexane is added to provide a mixture of organic solvents. An equivalent or an excess quantity of a source of calcium ions selected from the group consisting of calcium acetate and calcium chloride is added. Amorphous atorvastatin calcium is isolated from an organic phase comprising the mixture of organic solvents.
