The oxidation of steroids with tert.-butyl chromate

Abstract
Twenty steroids were oxidized with tert -butyl chromate in the presence of pyridine and the reaction products characterized in most instances. Reaction rates were determined in a few instances. Secondary alcohols gave corresponding ketones, 17-hydroxy corticosteroids gave 17-oxo steroids and, in contrast with the original reagent of Oppenauer and Oberrauch (1949), [DELTA] 5-3[beta]-hydroxy steroids gave [DELTA] 4-3,6-diones in high yield. The analytical utility of the reagent was demonstrated by applying it to the determination of 17-hydroxyandrostanes and of [DELTA] 5-3[beta]-hydroxy steroids.