An efficient method for converting 17-oxo- into 17-acetyl steroids

A study of certain reaction parameters of the recently described procedure for converting ketones to the corresponding carbonitriles using tosylmethyl isocyanide, has led to a modified method suitable for the efficient synthesis of 17-cyanosteroids. These products readily undergo methylation to give the corresponding 17-acetyl compounds. This two-step conversion of steroidal 17- to 20-ketones proceeds in excellent overall yields, and constitutes a particularly mild and simple alternative method to those hitherto used for this purpose.