A Study on the Chemistry and Biological Activity of 26-Sulfur Analogs of Diosgenin: Synthesis of 26-Thiodiosgenin S-Mono- and Dioxides, and Their Alkyl Derivatives.

A chemoselective procedure for MCPBA oxidation of 26-thiodiosgenin to corresponding sulfoxides and sulfone was elaborated. An unusual equilibration of sulfoxides in solution was observed. Moreover, α-alkylation of sulfoxide and sulfone was investigated. Finally, the biological activity of obtained compounds was examined.