The synthesis of 24-epicathasterone (20), 22-deoxy-24-epiteasterone (2
2) and 24-hydroxy-6-oxo-24-epicampestanol (24) via 22,23-epoxy- and 22
,23-bromohydrin intermediates starting with ergosterol is reported. Th
e structures of the new brassinosteroids were determined especially by
X-ray analysis of intermediate bromohydrins. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scienc
e Ltd.