Biomimetic hydroxylation of nonactivated CH2 groups with copper complexes and molecular oxygen

Abstract

Copper(I) complexes with steroidal ligands (see formula) undergo regio- and stereoselective γ-hydroxylation in the 12β-position of the steroid in the presence of molecular oxygen. After reduction a 17β,12β-amino alcohol is obtained. Under hydrolytic conditions a 12β-hydroxy-17-ketone can be isolated.