Stereoselective hydrogenation of unhindered cyclohexanones to axial alcohols with rhodium catalyst

TLDR: In this article, Steroidal 3,17- and 3,20-diones are selectively hydrogenated at C-3 to give the corresponding 3-axial-hydroxy ketones in high yields.

Abstract: Hydrogenation of unhindered cyclohexanones with rhodium catalyst in isopropyl alcohol or tetrahydrofuran in the presence of hydrochloric acid gives excellent yields of axial alcohols. Steroidal 3,17- and 3,20-diones are selectively hydrogenated at C-3 to give the corresponding 3-axial-hydroxy ketones in high yields.