Synthesis of N-acetylcysteine conjugates of catechol estrogens

Steroids. 1996 May;61(5):296-301. doi: 10.1016/0039-128x(95)00232-f.

Abstract

The synthesis of N-acetylcysteine conjugates of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) and 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE1) is described. The reaction of estrone 2,3-quinone with N-acetylcysteine provided 2-OHE1 and its C-4 and C-1 thioether conjugates in a ratio of 1:1, while estrone 3,4-quinone with N-acetylcysteine gave 4-OHE1 and its C-2 thioether conjugate as a sole product. Their structures were characterized by inspection of NMR spectra, chemical derivatization (methylation and acetylation), and comparison with the reactivity of 4-bromoestrone 2,3-quinone or 2-bromoestrone 3,4-quinone toward N-acetylcysteine.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / chemical synthesis*
  • Acetylcysteine / chemistry
  • Estrogens, Catechol / chemistry*
  • Hydroxyestrones / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • Estrogens, Catechol
  • Hydroxyestrones
  • 4-hydroxyestrone
  • 2-hydroxyestrone
  • Acetylcysteine