Efficient three-component one-pot synthesis of steroidal polysubstituted anilines

An efficient and practical base-promoted cascade reaction has been developed to access steroidal poly-substituted anilines from simple precursors. The protocol reported herein achieved the formation of a benzene ring as well as three continuous C-C bonds in a single operation. The reaction mechanism was proposed on the basis of the key intermediate obtained. Besides, this method could be potentially employed for the synthesis of biphenyl compounds. The adjacent amine and nitrile groups existed in the final products have the potential for late stage functionalization, which would provide efficient access to steroidal compound collections with structural diversity and complexity. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.