Synthesis of C-C bonded dimeric steroids by olefin metathesis

Five new C-C bonded steroidal homodimers derived from deoxycholic acid, pregnenolone, and progesterone were synthesized by an olefin metathesis reaction assisted by microwave heating. Microwave improved the yield and accelerated the reaction allowing the use of less catalyst with good results (2.5 mol %). Due to the bulky nature of the steroidal skeleton the more favorable E-dimers were formed as the sole or major products depending on the linker length.