On the Allylic Oxidation of Ent-kaurenic Acid Methyl Ester with Lead Tetra-acetate

In this paper, results obtained upon treatment of the methyl ester of ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (1b) with lead tetra-acetate under reflux in glacial acetic acid solution and an argon atmosphere are described. After 30 minutes reflux, GC-MS analysis of the product indicated the presence of three substances, the initial compound (1b, 7 %), the methyl ester of ent-kaur-16-en-15- O-acetyl-19-oic acid (2a, C23H30O4, 45 %), and its isomer, the methyl ester of ent-kaur-15-en-17- O-acetyl-19-oic acid (3a, 47 %). Flash chromatography over silica gel containing 20% AgNO3 yielded 2b (456 mg), which was identified by direct comparison with an authentic sample, and 3a (472 mg), whose structure was established by uni- and bi-dimensional NMR analysis. Hydrolysis of 3a with dry ammonia in MeOH yielded the methyl ester of ent-kaur-15-en-17-hydroxy-19-oic acid (3b, C21H32O3); treatment of this compound with chromic acid/pyridine complex rendered the aldehyde (4).

Synthesis of trichiliasterones A and B — 16-Ketosteroids isolated from Trichilia hirta and Trichilia americana

The syntheses of trichiliasterone A (3β-hydroxypregnan-2,16-dione) and trichiliasterone B (2-hydroxyandrost-1,4-diene-3,16-dione) have been carried out starting from isoandrosterone and testosterone acetate, respectively. In each synthesis the functionality in the D ring was installed prior to working on ring A. In the case of trichiliasterone A, the D ring chemistry involved a Wittig reaction to generate the 17-methylene group, followed by SeO2 oxidation to give an α,β-unsaturated ketone. Reaction with lithium dimethyl cuprate gave the required 17-ethyl-16-keto functionality. A 2,3-epoxy enol acetate served as the key intermediate for the generation of the 2-keto-3-hydroxy functions in ring A. The transposition of the keto function from C-16 to C-17 in the synthesis of trichiliasterone B was accomplished via oxymercuration–demercuration of the Δ16—17 double bond followed by oxidation. The hydroxyl group at C-2 and the additional ring A unsaturation were introduced by lead tetra-acetate treatment of the 3-keto-4-enone function and subsequent air oxidation.Key words: 16-ketosteroids, plant steroids, Trichilia hirta, trichiliasterones.