Continuous-flow synthesis of activated vitamin D3 and its analogues

An efficient, two-stage, continuous-flow synthesis of 1α,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3 (activated vitamin D3) and its analogues was achieved. The developed method afforded the desired products in satisfactory yields using a high-intensity and economical light source, i.e., a high-pressure mercury lamp. In addition, our method required neither intermediate purification nor high-dilution conditions.