Structure of paxisterol, a sterol from Penicillium paxilli

The complete structure of paxisterol 1, produced by a Penicillium species, was determined by means of spectral and chemical studies of the parent compound and several of its derivatives. Paxisterol is a unique sterol, having an acetal structure at C-18. Application of 2D-INADEQUATE technique in 13C NMR spectral analysis was useful in this structure determination, where all carbon-carbon bonds in the molecule were demonstrated. Absolute stereochemistry was confirmed by the CD spectrum of 3-keto derivative 10 of compound 1 to be the same as that of cholesterol. An interesting acetal migration reaction was observed during the chemical conversions.