Abstract

7-keto-Δ5-steroids have been suggested for the treatment of several diseases. Their significant biological profile resulted in the development of a great number of methods and reagents for the allylic oxidation of Δ5-steroids. These methods and the biological evaluation of the main oxidized Δ5-steroids are summarized.

Keywords: 7-keto-, allylic oxidation, 7-keto-cholesterol, 7-keto-dhea, anticancer activity, aromatase inhibitors, apoptosis