Stereospecific synthesis of the major human metabolite of paclitaxel

The stereospecific synthesis of 6-α-hydroxy paclitaxel 10, the major human metabolite of paclitaxel, is described. The 6,7-α-diol 4, obtained from paclitaxel, is converted to the 6,7-β-cyclic sulfate followed by nitrate addition and reduction to afford the title compound.