Synthesis of Symmetrical Bis-Steroid Pyrazines Connected via D-Rings

Bis-steroid pyrazines fused through rings D of the steroid skeleton were synthesized. Methods for the preparation of the corresponding rings A fused derivatives (cephalostatin type) were checked on simple androstanes and then a symmetrical D fused analogue, 5α-androstano[16'',17''-5',6']pyrazino[2',3'-16,17]-5α-androstane-3β,3''b-diol, was prepared. Partially substituted bis-steroid pyrazines in both series were prepared and their use for the preparation of higher fused compounds was discussed. No significant cytostatic activity was found on parent bis-steroid pyrazines both A and D fused.