Synthesis of 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-androstan-17-one

A short and efficient method for the stereospecific synthesis of 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-androstan-17-one was accomplished from the readily available 4-androstene-3,17-dione. Key steps are the stereospecific and selective epoxidation of 4,6-androstadiene-3,17-dione, followed by hydrogenations with carefully selected reagents, solvents and reaction conditions.