Linear oligoesters based on etienic acid (3 beta-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-17 beta-carboxylic acid) containing four steroid units were prepared using a 2+2 synthetic strategy in a successful synthesis of 3 beta-{[3 beta-({3 beta-[(3 beta-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-17 beta-carbonyl)oxy]androst-5-ene-17 beta-carbonyl}oxy)androst-5-ene-17 beta-carbonyl]oxy}androst-5-ene-17 beta-carboxylic acid. The main problems with deprotection were overcome by using orthogonal groups as O-nitrates and 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl ethers. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.