The reaction of porphyrins with α,β-acetylenic ketone/ester (Morita-Baylis-Hillman) promoted by MgI2 and subsequent Sonogashira coupling reactions

The stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-β-iodovinyl ketones/esters of Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) porphyrin adducts has been achieved with a tandem formation of C - C and C - I bonds in a three-component reaction. The reaction is promoted by MgI 2 as a Lewis acid, as well as an iodine source for a Michael-type addition. The MBH adducts are efficiently oxidized to the corresponding ketones with Dess-Martin periodinane (DMP). These scaffolds are further used in a palladium-catalyzed Sonogashira carbon-carbon coupling reaction to obtain highly extended porphyrin systems.

Synthesis of 14-hydroxy steroids. Total synthesis of methyl 14β-hydroxy-1,7,17-trioxo-5β,8-androstene-10β-oate and related compounds

The total synthesis of the title compound 22 and methyl 14α-hydroxy-5β,13α,8-androstene-1,7,17-trioxo-10β-oate 21 isomer is reported. We also describe the 1,6-Michael addition of 2-methyl-1,3-cyclopentanedione on dienone 14 and the protic ammonium salt catalyzed intramolecular Michael addition of cyclic β-ketoester on the conjugated acetylenic ketone 13. Keywords: cardenolides, steroid synthesis, aldol, Michael addition.