Estradiol → Estradiol 3-methyl ether

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of estradiol (10.0 g, 36.7 mmol) in ethanol (100 ml) at reflux was added NaOH (100 mmol) in water (10 ml) followed by the dropwise addition of methylsulfate (Me2SO4) (100 mmol). Neutralization with 10% HCl, subsequent concentration of the mixture followed by filtration through silica gel with ethyl ether, afforded 3-methoxyestradiol as white needles. Dissolving metal reduction of 3-methoxyestradiol was carried out via the methods described by Wilds and affording the known dihydroestradiene derivative as a white solid. (See Feiser, L. F., Feiser, M. “Reagents for Organic Synthesis”, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1967, pp. v, 583-4, 622-3.)

Provenance & Evidence