The oxidation technology of hydroxycholanic acids to the corresponding oxo- derivatives

Technological investigations of the oxidation of hydroxycholanic acids to the corresponding oxoderivatives are described. The reactions were conducted in various ways: by complete oxidation of all hydroxyl groups in hydroxycholanic acid or by applying methods for selective oxidation. Three various reactions: cholic acid to dehydrocholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid to ursodeoxycholic acid and cholic acid to chenodeoxycholic acid are presented. In all the oxidation processes precisely determined amounts of aqueous sodium hypochlorite were used. Experiments were carried out from laboratory to semi-technical scale. Optimal conditions of oxidation were worked out.