Biomimetic synthesis of petuniasterone D via the epoxy ester[bond]ortho ester rearrangement

The side chain of the insecticidal steroid petuniasterone D was synthesized by the biomimetic acid-catalyzed epoxy ester[bond]ortho ester rearrangement. In addition to the natural (22R,24R)-configuration of the side chain ortho ester, compounds bearing the epimeric (22R,24S)-, (22S,24R)-, and (22S,24S)- [3.2.1]-bicyclic ortho esters were also produced by stereospecific rearrangement of the corresponding isomeric epoxy esters. Functionalization of the steroid nucleus of the (22R,24R)-ortho ester completed the synthesis of the natural product.