Synthesis of C7-2H2 steroids for human metabolism studies

Abstract

Seven deuterium labelled steroids were prepared in good yield. The synthetic strategy embodies C7 functionalisation by Cr VI allylic oxidation followed by deoxygenation of the resulting ketone with aluminium chlorodeuteride. Subsequent elaboration of the di-deuterated compounds using standard procedures allowed the preparation of biologically important steroids containing 96% deuterium at C7.