title synthesis involves (1) epoxidation of allylic alcohols with t-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of vanadium catalyst followed by trimethylsilylation, (2) specific oxirane ring opening by means of diethylaluminum 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide and subsequent desilylation producing 3-ene-1,2-diols, and (3) removal of both hydroxyl groups through bromination with a mixture of phosphorus tribromide