A novel series of unusual A/B diaromatic 14-methylsteroids was identified by total synthesis of reference compound 1a. They constitute the major aromatic hydrocarbon components from Pakistani biodegraded crude oil seeps. They probably derive from the aromatization of ring A functionalized 14-methyl steroid precursors present in green algae.
![3a-hydroxy-3b-methylhexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[1,3]cyclopropa[1,2]benzen-6(2H)-one Structure](https://image.chemsrc.com/caspic/471/30841-58-8.png)
