ON THE SYNTHESIS OF SCYMNOL

Reinvestigation of a reported synthesis of scymnol a-cholestane-3alpha ,7alpha,12alpha,24,26,27-hexol) has cast doubt on the success of that synthetic route. A modified synthetic pathway has been developed and s cymnol, racemic at C24, has been unequivocally prepared from cholic ac id. Extensive proton and C-13 n.m.r. spectroscopy has been used to con firm the structure of the product. A new, simple method of desulfation of natural scymnol sufate has been developed.