Ethynyl estradiol 3-cyclopentyl

A solution of 1.5 grams of 17a-ethynyl estradiol in 50 cc of absolute ethanol is added slowly to a mixture of 3 grams of cyclopentyl bromide and 2 grams of potassium carbonate. This mixture is heated to reflux and stirred for 3 hours, then filtered. Most of the alcohol is eliminated by distillation and the resulting solution diluted with water, and cooled in an ice-bath. The product which precipitates Is collected by filtration, washed and dried. After recrystallization from methanol the 3-cyclopentyl ether of 17a-ethynyl estradiol shows a melting point of 107° to 108°C. 

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