6E-Hydroximinosteroid homodimerization by cross-metathesis processes

A rapid and efficient synthesis of 6E-hydroximinosteroid homodimers is described. The two new compounds were linked at position 3 of the steroid nucleus via a ruthenium catalyzed cross-metathesis reaction. The cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated in vitro on human lung carcinoma A549 (ATCC CCL-185), colon adenocarcinoma HCT-116 (ATCC CCL-247), human caucasian glioblastoma multiforme T98G (ECACC 92090213) and human pancreatic adenocarcinoma PSN1 (ECACC 94060601) tumour cells. Homodimer 10b presented selective activity against HCT-116, although they are not highly toxic when compared with the monomer counterparts.