Reformatsky reactions involving ethyl bromoacetate/zinc are reported for 19-norandrosterone acetate and 19-norepiandrosterone acetate. In each case the major product was the 17beta-alcohol from alpha-attack, although a significant amount of the 17alpha-alcohol from beta-attack was also isolated. The ethyl 3-acetoxy-17beta-hydroxy-19-nor-5alpha,17alpha-pregnan-21-oates were then hydrolysed to 3,17beta-dihydroxy-19-nor-5alpha,17beta-pregnan-21-oic acids or reduced to 19-nor-5alpha,17alpha-pregnane-3,17beta,21-triols. Comparison of the synthetic products with compounds previously reported as metabolites of norethandrolone in the horse provided valuable information on the regio- and stereo-chemistry of equine steroid metabolism.
Cyanoethylations and Michael additions. V. The synthesis of allylic cyclohexenols by γ-cyanoethylation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones. Part V