Sterol synthesis: a simple method for the isolation of zymosterol (5 alpha-cholesta-8, 24-dien-3 beta-ol) from yeast and spectral properties of zymosterol.

A relatively simple method is described for the isolation of zymosterol (5 alpha-cholesta-8, 24-dien-3 beta-ol) of high purity from baker's yeast. Also presented are detailed spectral properties, including 13C NMR spectral analyses, of zymosterol and its acetate derivative.