To a solution of 3-hydroxy-2-nitroestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (76b, 1.58 g, 5.0 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) were added potassium carbonate (1.38 g, 10 mmol) and benzyl bromide (0.9 mL, 7.5 mmol) and stirred for 19 h at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added saturated aqueous NH4Cl at 0° C. and extracted with CHCl3. The combined organic layers were washed with H2O, saturated aqueous NaCl, and then dried (Na2SO4). The desiccant was filtered and the solvent was evaporated at reduced pressure. The residue was washed with Et2O to afford 2.01 g of 79 (99% yield) mp: 234-235° C.
