Synthesis of biological precursors of cholic acid II.

This paper describes the partial syntheses of 3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-26-al, 7 alpha, 12 alpha, 26-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestan-3-one and 7 alpha, 12 alpha-dihydroxy-3-oxo-5 beta-cholestan-26-al via Ag2CO3/Celite oxidation of 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha, 26-tetrol. These bile alcohols were resolved by analytical and preparative TLC, characterized by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. These compounds will be useful to delineate further the mechanism of oxidation of 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha, 25-tetrol on the pathway to cholic acid.