Transition metal-catalysed A-ring C-H activations and C(sp)-C(sp) couplings in the 13α-oestrone series and evaluation of antiproliferative properties.

Facile syntheses of 3--carbamoyl, -sulfamoyl, or -pivaloyl derivatives of 13α-oestrone and its 17-deoxy counterpart have been carried out. Microwave-induced, Ni-catalysed Suzuki-Miyaura couplings of the newly synthesised phenol esters with phenylboronic acid afforded 3-deoxy-3-phenyl-13α-oestrone derivatives. The carbamate and pivalate esters proved to be suitable for regioselective arylations.