Synthetic methods towards steroid-ferrocene conjugates

Abstract

Steroid-ferrocene conjugates, in which a steroid skeleton is connected directly or via a linker group to the ferrocene moiety, have a broad scope of possible applications in medicinal or analytical chemistry as well as in materials science. They may integrate or even enhance many of the attractive properties of the components. Reactive functional groups of steroids and the ease in the conversion of ferrocene via aromatic substitution reactions offer a wide range of possibilities to attach the two skeletons to each other. This review summarizes the diverse methodologies used in the synthesis of conjugates, including classical organic reactions as well as the application of organometallic reagents and transition-metal catalyzed reactions.