A biosynthetic precursor of brassinolide, (22R,23R,24S)-24-methyl-3alpha-cholestane-3beta,6alpha,22,23-tetraol was synthesized from Delta(23)-22-keto steroid which was obtained from the corresponding 20-carbonitrile oxide. The side chain was built up by a series of successive transformations: hydride reduction of the initial enone, epoxidation of the allyl-like alcohol, and copper(I) cyanide-catalyzed opening of the 23,24-epoxy ring. The cyclic fragment was completed by opening of the cyclopropane ring with subsequent hydroboration and oxidation of the Delta(5)-bond.
Delta(23)-22-Oxo steroids were synthesized via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of steroidal nitrile oxides to low-molecular dipolarophiles. Cycloaddition of 2-propynyl bromide to 20-carbonitrile oxide, followed by hydrogenation of the isoxazole derivative thus formed gave 22-enamino-24-keto steroid. The latter was then converted into the target enones via several pathways. Compounds with unnatural configuration of the C-20 atom can also be obtained. Delta(23)-22-Oxo steroids were also synthesized through isoxazole derivatives.