The final steps of the present total synthesis of cortisone involving the conversion of the 3- dioxolane of dl-ll-ketoprogesterone (I) to cortisone acetate are described. The resulting optically active steroid is converted to the 3-dioxolane of dehydrocorticosterone acetate (IV) by successive iodination at and treatment with potassium acetate. Introduction of the C17- hydroxyl group is then carried out using the cyanohydrin procedure and the product is ...
