Abstract: A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids utilizing intermediates having a cyanoalkyl A-ring precursor is disclosed. The initial starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and commercially available reagents .gamma.-butyrolactone and sodium cyanide. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly 19-norsteroids. It is a feature of this process that conditions employed during the multiple step synthesis are selected so as to retain the normally labile nitrile group even during hydrogenation and hydrolysis steps. In this manner, it is possible to employ the nitrile group as an A-ring precursor without resorting to protective groups as was heretofore found necessary in previous steroid total synthesis processes.

Abstract: A synthesis of vitamin E in racemic or optically active forms from methacryolein or beta-hydroxyisobutyric acid including intermediates in this synthesis.

Abstract: A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids utilizing intermediates having a cyanoalkyl A-ring precursor is disclosed. The initial starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and commercially available reagents .gamma.-butyrolactone and sodium cyanide. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly 19-norsteroids. It is a feature of this process that conditions employed during the multiple step synthesis are selected so as to retain the normally labile nitrile group even during hydrogenation and hydrolysis steps. In this manner, it is possible to employ the nitrile group as an A-ring precursor without resorting to protective groups as wasl heretofore found necessary in previous steroid total synthesis processes.

Abstract: A synthesis of 2,6,10-trimethyl-undecan-1-ol, an intermediate for producing vitamin E, from methacrolein, crotonaldehyde, .beta.-hydroxy-isobutyric acid including intermediates in this synthesis.

Abstract: A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids is disclosed. The starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and readily available m-alkoxy aceto-phenones. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly A-ring aromatic steroids. This process features an early optical resolution and a unique asymmetric induction which insures the correct stereochemistry of the final steroidal product.

Abstract: A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids is disclosed. The starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and readily available m-alkoxy acetophenones. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly A-ring aromatic steroids. This process features an early optical resolution and a unique asymmetric induction which insures the correct stereochemistry of the final steroidal product.

Abstract: A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids utilizing intermediates having a cyanoalkyl A-ring precursor is disclosed. The initial starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and commercially available reagents .gamma.-butyrolactone and sodium cyanide. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly 19-norsteroids. It is a feature of this process that conditions employed during the multiple step synthesis are selected so as to retain the normally labile nitrile group even during hydrogenation and hydrolysis steps. In this manner, it is possible to employ the nitrile group as an A-ring precursor without resorting the protective groups as was heretofore found necessary in previous steroid total synthesis processes.

Abstract: A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids utilizing intermediates having a cyanoalkyl A-ring precursor is disclosed. The initial starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and commercially available reagents .gamma.-butyrolactone and sodium cyanide. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly 19-norsteroids. It is a feature of this process that conditions employed during the multiple step synthesis are selected so as to retain the normally labile nitrile group even during hydrogenation and hydrolysis steps. In this manner, it is possible to employ the nitrile group as an A-ring precursor without resorting to protective groups as was heretofore found necessary in previous steroid total synthesis processes.

Abstract: Total synthesis of steroids of the estrone and equilenin series involving conjugate 1,4-addition of a meta-substituted benzyl organometallic reagent to a C/D bicyclic methylene ketone. An aromatization of the B-ring of .DELTA. 9(11) estrone derivatives.

Abstract: A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids utilizing intermediates having a cyanoalkyl A-ring precursor is disclosed. The initial starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and commercially available reagents .gamma.-butyrolactone and sodium cyanide. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly 19-norsteroids. It is a feature of this process that conditions employed during the multiple step synthesis are selected so as to retain the normally labile nitrile group even during hydrogenation and hydrolysis steps. In this manner, it is possible to employ the nitrile group as an A-ring precursor without resorting to protective groups as was heretofore found necessary in previous steroid total synthesis processes.

Abstract: Total synthesis of steroids of the estrone and equilenin series involving conjugate 1,4-addition of a meta-substituted benzyl organometallic reagent to a C/D bicyclic methylene ketone. An aromatization of the B-ring of .DELTA. 9(11) estrone derivatives.

Abstract: A multi-step, stereospecific total synthesis of steroids is disclosed. The starting materials for this process are the relatively inexpensive and readily available m-alkoxy acetophenones. The process is suitable for the preparation of racemic or optically active, medicinally valuable steroids, particularly A-ring aromatic steroids. This process features an early optical resolution and a unique asymmetric induction which insures the correct stereochemistry of the final steroidal product.