Synthesis and Photochemical Behaviour of 3-(Estran-16-yl)acrylates and 2-(Estran-16-yl)vinyl Ketones†

Abstract

C-16-substituted steroids having an unsaturation in the side chain have been synthesized by sequential Arnold–Vilsmeier and Wittig reactions, subsequent photochemical studies showing the formation of either a dimeric structure or the occurrence of E/Z-isomerization; for one example, treatment with H ₂ over Pd–C led to full reduction of the side-chain and ring D.