Synthesis and radiochemistry of 2,4-disubstituted 17 alpha-iodovinylestradiols

This report details the preparation of three compounds which are structurally designed to have depressed metabolism and/or conjugation: 2,4-dibromo-, 2,4-dichloro-, and 2,4-dimethyl-17 alpha-iodovinylestradiol. Their synthesis includes the use of two novel transformations based upon tin chemistry: preparation of an intermediate 17 alpha-vinylstannanes via stannylcupration of a 17 alpha-ethynyl steroid, and preparation of the 2,4-dimethyl functionality via a palladium catalyzed coupling of 2,4-dibromoestrone acetate with tetramethyltin. The preparative radiochemistry of these three materials is also described.