| Abstract: | The Beckmann fragmentation product, 3-methoxy-17-oxo-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-nitrile (2) has been reduced by LAH giving the expected 3-methoxy-17-hydroxy-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10-trien-16-amine hydrochloride (3) and 3-methoxy-17-oxa-
-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-ol (4), by a presumed neighbouring group participation of 17-OH group in the intermediary formed 16-imino derivative (A). The structure of 4 has been proved by an alternative synthetic route by reducing 3-methoxy-17-oxa-
-homoestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-one (7) with di-iso-butylaluminium hydride. |
