Expedient synthesis of 17α,21-dihydroxy-9β,11β-epoxy-16α-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 21-acetate from prednisolone utilising a novel Mattox rearrangement

- Compound 1 has been prepared from prednisolone in six steps (13% yield overall).
- A novel Mattox rearrangement was utilised in the synthesis.
- Structural impact on enol ether oxidation success determined.