A synthesis of 7alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione

The first convenient chemical synthesis of 7alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione is reported. Androsta-4,6-diene3, 17-dione was converted into its 6alpha, 7alpha-epoxy-derivative; reduction of the epoxide with aluminum amalgam gave 7alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione. This reducing agent is more efficient than chromous acetate for the purpose.