Synthesis of 5α,6-Dihydroveragranines A and B

The 5α,6-dihydro congeners of veragranines A and B, two steroidal alkaloids with an unprecedented hexacyclic skeleton and potent analgesic effects, were synthesized from hecogenin acetate within six steps. This work enables quick access to the hexacyclic skeleton and is amendable to prepare other D-ring-modified congeners.