A novel D→ BCD→ ABCD route to 11-keto steroids is reported involving a high yield stereoselective intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction of furan-diene 12 in water as a key-step. The dienophilic side chain is readily introduced starting from 8 via a sequence involving alkylation with ethyl (E)-3-ethoxy-4-iodo-2-butenoate, reduction and acid hydrolysis. The reduced adduct 14 is further converted into (±)-adrenosterone (6) via 24, the dienediolate ...