An improved synthesis of 6α-ethylchenodeoxycholic acid (6ECDCA), a potent and selective agonist for the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR)

► The active and potent FXR agonist 6ECDCA is a potential drug substance of current interest. ► The research tool 6ECDCA has been synthesized in improved yield. ► The synthesis employed selective oxidation as a key step. ► LDA/HMPA/EtI/PPTS provided an efficient highly stereoselective synthesis. ► This synthesis provides a simple and cost-effective production.