To a solution of 0.5 g (1.3 mmol) of [1R,8S,9aR]-1-carbomethoxy 5,6 dimethoxy 3 hydroxy 8 phenyl-7,8,9,9a-tetrahydro-phenalene (54-3A), in 50 mL of methanol, 50 mL of ethyl acetate and 0.1 mL of concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid was added 0.2 g of 5% palladium on carbon and the reaction mixture was shaken under 4 atmospheres of hydrogen until the uptake of hydrogen had ceased. The palladium catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite filter aid and the filtrate was concentrated to give a white solid, which was carried on to the next step without purification.
