Convergent stereoselective and efficient synthesis of furanic-steroid derivatives

The stereoselective synthesis of furanic-steroid derivatives involving ring-closing metathesis and catalytic hydrogenation as key steps is described. The synthetic strategy was first illustrated by the synthesis of the furanic-estrane derivative 1 in seven steps starting from estrone and 2-methylene-propane-1,3-diol. This compound initially targeted as a potential inhibitor of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 by a docking experiment was found to inhibit the enzyme. The scope of this new strategy was also extended to furanic-androstane derivatives by synthesizing compound 20. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.