Inversion of the 4β-hydrogen during the conversion of the sterol obtusifoliol into poriferasterol by Ochromonas malhamensis
Abstract
The conversion of [2,2,4-3H3]obtusifoliol into poriferasterol by the alga Ochromonas malhamensis has been demonstrated and proceeds with retention of at least 30% of the axial 4β-hydrogen which is inverted into the equatorial 4α-position of poriferasterol.