Novel and efficient synthesis of 22-alkynyl-13,24(23)-cyclo-18,21-dinorchol-22-en-20(23)-one analogues

► 22-Iodocyclodinorcholenones were from cyclodinorcholenones using I2/DMAP/pyridine. ► Conjugated alkynylcyclodinorcholenones from 22-iodocyclodinorcholenone and 1-alkyne. ► Conjugated alkynylcyclodinorcholenones show cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines.