An efficient synthesis of 4α- and 4β-hydroxy- 7-dehydrocholesterol, biomarkers for patients with and animal models of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

A highly efficient and improved method for the preparation of stereoisomeric 4α- and 4β-hydroxy-7-dehydrocholesterol has been developed. These oxysterols are atypical precursors of cholesterol found to be present in increased concentrations in brain, liver, and serum of animals treated with AY9944, an inhibitor of 3β-hydroxysterol-Δ⁷- reductase (Dhcr7). AY9944 -treated rats are considered a model for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS). The principal reactions involved were (1) cis-4α,5α-dihydroxylation of the allylic 3β-acetoxy- Δ⁴ intermediate with in situ generated RuO₄ and subsequent dehydration with SOCl₂, (2) direct 4β-hydroxylation of cholesterol with selenium dioxide, and (3) regioselective dehydrogenation at C-7/-8 of the resulting 4α- and 4β-hydroxylated derivatives with 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin/azobisisobutyronitrile, followed by tetrabutyl ammonium bromide/tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride. Chemical instability of these 4-hydroxylated 7-dehydrocholesterols when exposed to UV light, heat or in an acidic medium is briefly discussed.