Various methodology to functionalize alkynes involving iron (III) and gold (III) catalysts are currently in development in our lab. The substrate scope of the methodology will be expanded to include more complex alkynes, beginning with the progestin, ethisterone, which consists of a fused ring system with various substituents. In order to prevent the interference of the substituents with the desired alkyne functionalization reaction, countermeasures must be taken such as acetylation of the propargyl alcohol. Successful functionalization of ethisterone will allow access to many of its analogs, opening the opportunity to screen for any changes in biological activity and study of its mechanism of action.

Methodology testing on complex substrate, ethisterone

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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