Simple and diastereoselective synthesis of an A-ring precursor of dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (calcitriol) by photooxygenation
- A convenient synthesis of a racemic A-ring precursor of dihydroxyvitamin D-3 (calcitriol) is described. The key step involves the singlet oxygen ene reaction of the Lythgoe lactone, which proceeds with excellent regio- and good diastereoselectivities. Strong polar interactions are operative during the attack of O-1(2) to the double bond, which is important for the mechanism of such reactions
