Studies in the steroid group. (part)LXXXXV. Convenient preparations of 3,6- and 6,17-dioxygenated 5alpha-androstanes

Convenient, efficient sequences involving 3α,5-cyclo-intermediates have been developed for obtaining 3,6- and 6,17-dioxygenated 5α-androstanes from the cheap steroid 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one. Useful selective reactions of 5α-androstane derivatives are achieved by acetalising diketones in the presence of an ion-exchange resin and by oxidising dihydric alcohols with the Fetizon (silver carbonate) reagent.