A Study on the Chemistry and Biological Activity of 26-Sulfur Analogs of Diosgenin: Synthesis of 26-Thiodiosgenin S-Mono- and Dioxides, and Their Alkyl Derivatives

A chemoselective procedure for MCPBA oxidation of 26-thiodiosgenin to corresponding sulfoxides and sulfone was elaborated. An unusual equilibration of sulfoxides in solution was observed. Moreover, α-alkylation of sulfoxide and sulfone was investigated. Finally, the biological activity of obtained compounds was examined.

Study on the reaction of diosgenin acetate with trimethylsilylazide catalyzed by Lewis acids

The ring opening reaction of diosgenin acetate in presence of Lewis acids and trimethylsilyl azide was explored as a facile approach to the synthesis of an open chain derivative with a nitrogen-containing substituent at C26. The reaction, under optimal conditions (TMSOTf, 1 equiv.; TMSN₃, 1.1 equiv.; DCM; 48 h; rt), provided satisfactory yield (40%) of furostane-26-nitrile in a single step.