Construction of the Side-Chain in 14β-Androst-5-ene Derivatives. Preparation of 14β-Pregnenolone

Abstract

Stepwise side-chain construction schemes leading to pregnane derivatives were tested in the 14β-androst-5-ene series. 6β-Methoxy-3α,5-cyclo-5α,14β-androstan-17-one (I) gave after methylenation and hydroboration the 17α-hydroxymethyl derivative III. Subsequent oxidation to the aldehyde VI, Grignard reaction with methylmagnesium iodide, and reoxidation led to the ketone VII and to the isomeric 17β-derivative VIII as a minor product. Final i-steroid cleavage of VII furnished the known 14β,17α-pregnenolone IX; the minor product VIII gave the 17β-isomer X. Alternatively, the ketone X was prepared from 6β-methoxy-3α,5-cyclo-5α,14β-androstan-17α-ol p-toluenesulfonate (XI) by cyanide substitution, diisobutylaluminum hydride reduction to the aldehyde XIV, and further as described for IX. The mass and NMR spectra of the four pregnenolone derivatives IX, X, XVIII, and XIX, isomeric in positions 14 and 17, were studied.