Journal of Lipid Research, Vol 17, 91-93, Copyright © 1976 by Lipid Research, Inc.
A sterospecific synthesis of 7alpha-hydroxycholesterol
DB Johnson and L Lack
The five step synthesis of 7alpha-hydroxycholesterol utilizes the
solvolysis of 7alpha-bromocholesterol benzoate with potassium acetate in
acetic acid as the key step in controlling the stereospecificity of the
reaction sequence. This reaction yields 7alpha-acetoxycholesterol benzoate
with retention of configuration at position seven. The diester is readily
reduced with lithium aluminum to 7alpha-hydroxycholesterol.