Tin(II) chloride dihydrate–a mild reagent for the transformation of 6-nitro-Δ5-steroids to 5α-hydroxy-6-ketosteroids

Abstract
Reaction of excess hydrated tin(II) chloride with 6-nitro-Δ5-steroids (1a–g) and (5) in tetrahydrofuran furnishes 5α-hydroxy-6-ketosteroids (2a–g) and (6) respectively, in good yields.