Synthesis of 21‐diazoprogesterone‐6,7‐3H2

Abstract
The preparation of 21‐diazoprogesterone‐6,7‐3H2 is described. Progesterone was dehydrogenated with chloranil to give Δ6‐dehydroprogesterone. Degradation of the pregnane side‐chain with sodium hypobromite gave the corresponding carboxylic acid. Catalytic reduction with carrier‐free tritium followed by treatment with oxalyl chloride and then diazomethane afforded 21‐diazoprOgesterone‐6,7‐3H2 with a specific activity of 42 Ci/mmol.