We are currently interested in the etherification of sterols as steryl ethers have been discovered in some sediments.2±4 Steryl ethers may be useful as liquid crystals5 and might have biological activities.6 However, etherification of sterols directly with alcohols or phenols has received little atten- tion.7 Montmorillonite clays have been used as efficient catalysts for a variety of organic reactions.8 Previously, we reported a facile preparation of disteryl ethers from a series of ...
