Synthesis of 2-propynyl ethers of steroid alcohols

Abstract

2-propynyl ethers, derived from steroid alcohols with hydroxyl in position 3β, 17 or 20, were prepared by reaction with propargyl bromide and sodium hydroxide under conditions of phase transfer catalysis. Other hydroxy groups in the steroid molecule were protected with the methoxymethyl or 2-tetrahydropyranyl group.