The synthesis of androstane brassinosteroid analogues with alpha-azido acid ester groups in position 17beta.

Androstane brassinosteroid analogues with alpha-azido acid ester groups in position 17beta were synthesized from 2alpha,3alpha,17beta-trihydroxy-5alpha-androstan-6-one after the protection of the 2alpha,3alpha-diols upon treatment with the corresponding alpha-azido acid and the subsequent deprotection of the diol grouping. Six new castasterone analogues were prepared. The biological activities were evaluated in two bioassays: a rice lamina inclination test and bean second internode bioassays. The activities of the new analogues differ in these two bioassays.