Simple and efficient process for large scale preparation of betulonic acid from birch bark extracts

•Simple large-scale preparation of betulonic acid 90%+ from birch bark.•Birch outer bark extraction with t-BuOMe.•Jones’ oxidation of crude betulin extract in t-BuOMe.•Sedimentation of Na betulonate from t-BuOMe.

A bioactive triterpenoid betulonic acid is a valuable synthone for preparation of lupane- and oleanane-type derivatives with a wide spectrum of medical applications. A large-scale, cost-effective, and simple preparation of betulonic acid from birch (Betula pendula) bark is presented herein. The process includes four steps with the acid overall yield of 51% counting on betulin content in the extract and with the acid purity of 90% or more. The process can be employed for batch production of betulonic acid.

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