Diastereoselective approach to 11-aryl steroid skeletons through a cobalt(I)-mediated [2+2+2] cyclization of allenediynes

The cobalt(I)-mediated 2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions of allenediynes of yne-allene-yne type bearing an aryl group on the allene are described. The cyclizations are totally chemo- and regioselective and show low diastereoselectivities. η⁴-Complexed tricyclic (6,6,6) compounds were obtained in good yields as mixtures of endo/exo diastereomers. The cyclization is also compatible with an oxyfunctionality at C3. By designing an allenediyne having a preexisting D ring, we succeeded in building skeletons of 11-aryl steroids in one step and in a totally diastereoselective manner and with simultaneous introduction of an angular methyl group at C10 and an aryl substituent at C11.