AZA STEROIDS: III. SYNTHESIS OF 11-AZA STEROIDS—A NOVEL CLASS OF STEROIDAL SAPOGENIN ANALOGUES

Abstract
The cyclization of a 9,12-seco-11-nor keto acid in the hecogenin series in the presence of benzylamine and anhydrous ammonia is described. The benzylamine reaction follows an unusual course whereas the ammonia reaction proceeds normally to provide an enol lactam. The sequence represents the first synthesis of an 11-aza derivative in the steroidal sapogenin series.