To a solution of 0.5 g (1.3 mmol) of [1 R,8 S,9a R]-1-carbomethoxy-5,6-dimethoxy-3-hydroxy-8-phenyl-7,8,9,9a-tetrahydrophenalene (182-3A) in 50 mL of methanol, 50 mL of ethyl acetate, and 0.1 mL of concentrated aqueous hydrochloric acid was solution was added 0.2 g of 5% palladium supported on carbon and the mixture was shaken under 4 atmospheres of hydrogen until the gas uptake had ceased. The palladium catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite® filter aid and the filtrate concentrated to give a white solid, which was carried on to the next step without purification.
