Abstract Reaction of D-8β-carboxy-6-methylergoline (I) with ethyl bromo acetate gave D-1- carboxy-8β-carboxy-6-methylergoline (II), whose dimethyl ester III was reduced with sodium borohydride, either selectively to D-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-8β-methoxycarbonyl-6- methylergoline (IV) or completely to D-1-(-2-hydroxyethyl)-8β-hydroxymethyl-6- methylergoline (V). Derivatives VI-XV of compounds IV and V have also been prepared.
