New chemical syntheses of cholest‐4,6‐dien‐3‐one

Steroidal dienones represent a significant class of compounds that are useful intermediates in the further functionalization of the steroid nucleus. Their chemical synthesis can be problematic owing to the lack of a simplified method of preparation and the occurrence of impurities that can be difficult to remove. We have endeavored to develop new methods of chemical synthesis of cholest‐4,6‐dien‐3‐one that would yield a product of high purity.