Synthesis and biochemical screening of phenylselenium-substituted steroid hormones

The syntheses of phenylselenium-substituted progesterone [21- (1) and 17 alpha-(phenylseleno)progesterone (2)] and testosterone [16 beta- (3) and 16 alpha-(phenylseleno)testosterone (4)] derivatives are described, along with data which help to establish the stereochemistry of the substituents in the testosterone molecules. Except for 21-(phenylseleno)-progesterone, the molecules exhibit greatly reduced receptor-binding capabilities.