10.1016/0039-128X(78)90063-6
The research aims to develop a more efficient chemical synthesis method for 16α-hydroxylated androgens, which are crucial intermediates in the formation of estriol during pregnancy. Key chemicals used include 16α-bromoandrostenedione, which is converted to the hydrazone of 16α-hydroxyandrostenedione and then hydrolyzed to yield the desired compound. 16α-Hydroxyandrostenedione (16α-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione) is a steroid with a hydroxyl group at the 16α position and a ketone group at the 3 and 17 positions. The total yield of 16α-hydroxyandrostenedione from dehydroepiandrosterone is 38% via the hydrazone route, and 24% via the Jones' reagent oxidation route. 16α-Hydroxytestosterone (16α,17β-dihydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one) is a steroid with hydroxyl groups at the 16α and 17β positions and a ketone group at the 3 position. 16α-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone 3-sulfate (3β,16α-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one 3-monosulfate) is a steroid with hydroxyl groups at the 3β and 16α positions, a ketone group at the 17 position, and a sulfate ester at the 3 position.