The Synthesis of 17-Ester of Corticosteroids Protection of 11β-Hydroxyl by the Trimethylsilyl Group

Abstract

17–Esters of corticosteroids have received considerable attention due to their high topical anti-inflammatory activity. one of the best known is betamethasone 17-valerate which is widely used against a variety of skin diseases². The relatively simple compound, hydrocortisone 17–butyrate (3a)³ proved to be as active topically as the more sophisticated corticosteroids such as triamcinolone acetonide, while its systemic activity is of the same order as that of hydrocortisone⁴.