A novel strategy for the enantioselective synthesis of the steroidal framework using cascade ring expansion reactions of small ring systems- asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-equilenin

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02479-4

Enantioselective synthesis of (+)-equilenin (1) utilizing a novel strategy is described. The key steps are two cascade ring expansion reactions of small ring systems; 1) chiral (salen)Mn(III) complex-catalyzed cascade reaction of cyclopropylidene; 2) Pd(II)-mediated cascade reaction of the cyclobutanol.