Methylsteroids. V. The faciliation of hydrolysis of sterically hindered acetoxy groups by carbonyl groups in the Lanosterol series

Abstract

The facilitation of basic hydrolysis of sterioally hindered acetoxy groups has been ex mined among the lanosterol oxo derivatives. It is found that an llp-acetoxyl may be hydrolysed under mild conditions in the presence of a 7-oxo group or more easily when a 3,7-dioxo grouping is present. The 7α-acetoxy group is resistant to basic hydrolysis except in the presence of a 3- or 11-oxo group. Possible reasons for these effects are discussed.