Synthesis of photoaffinity analogs of progesterone

A photoaffinity analog of progesterone, 11 alpha-diazoacetate progesterone, has been synthesized by a two step procedure. This has been made possible by a single reaction combining both esterification and diazotization. Numerous diazoacetate analogs of progesterone can be synthesized using these simple reaction conditions. Radioactive analogs can be produced that transfer the isotope covalently to the site of protein modification upon photolysis.