Abstract: | An efficient one step synthesis of 3α‐3H]5α‐androst‐16‐en‐3β‐ol by NaBT4 reduction of a ketone precursor is described. The specific activity of the product was 21.6 Ci/mmol with a radiochemical purity >99%. Synthesis of the precursor, 5α‐androst‐16‐en‐3‐one, from commercially available 5α‐androst‐16‐en‐3α‐ol is also presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |