Sommer F, Kappe CO, Cantillo D. Electrochemically Enabled One-Pot Multistep Synthesis of C19 Androgen Steroids.
Chemistry 2021;
27:6044-6049. [PMID:
33556193 DOI:
10.1002/chem.202100446]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of many valuable C19 androgens can be accomplished by removal of the C17 side chain from more abundant corticosteroids, followed by further derivatization of the resulting 17-keto derivative. Conventional chemical reagents pose significant drawbacks for this synthetic strategy, as large amounts of waste are generated, and quenching of the reaction mixture and purification of the 17-ketosteroid intermediate are typically required. Herein, we present mild, safe, and sustainable electrochemical strategies for the preparation of C19 steroids. A reagent and catalyst free protocol for the removal of the C17 side chain of corticosteroids via anodic oxidation has been developed, enabling several one-pot, multistep procedures for the synthesis of androgen steroids. In addition, simultaneous anodic C17 side chain cleavage and cathodic catalytic hydrogenation of a steroid has been demonstrated, rendering a convenient and highly atom economic procedure for the synthesis of saturated androgens.
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