CONVERSION OF DELTA 16-STEROID TO A DELTA 17 (20)-20-SILYL ETHER

摘要

The present invention is a process for conversion of .DELTA.16-steroids (I), to the corresponding .DELTA.17(20)-20-silyl ether (III), by reaction with (1) a preformed copper hydride or a metal hydride reducing agent i n the presence of a copper species and (2) a silylating agent. The .DELTA.17(20)-20-silyl ethers (111) are useful intermediat es in the preparation of steroids useful as pharmaceuticals.