A short and efficient synthesis of the 25-hydroxy Windaus-Grundmann ketone
from the Inhoffen-Lythgoe diol is described (seven steps, 70% overall). The
most relevant feature of the synthesis is the preparation of the Wittig re
agent 3 from cheap and commercially available starting materials. Pure 3 ca
n be obtained in multigram quantities for achieving clean and efficient Wit
tig reactions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.