Metal-Free Allylic Oxidation of Steroids Using TBAI/TBHP Organocatalytic Protocol.

A mild, efficient and organocatalytic allylic oxidation of steroids using a TBAI/TBHP protocol has been developed. A range of bioactive Δ5 -en-7-ones can be easily prepared from the corresponding Δ5 -steroids. The methodology features several advantages, including readily available starting materials, environmentally benign oxidant, high functional group compatibility, and metal-free catalysis.