Reactions of steroidal C3-alcohols with dimethyl sulphoxide and acetic anhydride
Abstract
The reaction of dimethyl sulphoxide and acetic anhydride at 100° with a variety of sterols is reported. Both 3α- and 3β-alcohols of the 5α-cholestane and Δ4- and Δ5-cholestene series have been used as well as i-cholesterol. The formation of ketones, methylthiomethyl ethers, Δ3,5-diene, and acetylated alcohol are discussed in terms of the formation and reactions of alkoxydimethylsulphonium ions.