Synthesis of Polyoxygenated Steroids with Transition Metal-Based Oxidants: Methyltrioxorhenium-Hydrogen Peroxide System, Ruthenium Tetraoxide, Osmium Tetraoxide and Potassium Permanganate

Compounds of certain transition metals in which the metals are in high oxidation states are reagents for the epoxidation and dihydroxylation of steroids. In recent years a variety of oxidative synthetic methods have been reported using transition metal compounds, in stoichiometric or catalytic amounts. The preparation of sterols containing oxygenated functions in suitable positions of the steroid nucleus can be accomplished using various reagents such as methyltrioxorhenium-hydrogen peroxide system, ruthenium tetraoxide, osmium tetraoxide and potassium permanganate.