The synthesis of the cephalostatin-analogous bis-steroidal pyrazines 6, 27a
/b and 41 by the transformation of the C-2-symmetrical diketone 6 as a cent
ral precursor, as well as the direct preparation of several non-symmetrical
bis-steroidal pyrazines by coupling of enamino ketones (5, 40) with vinyl
azides (17a/b) is reported. Furthermore, an improved procedure for preparat
ion of the diketone 6 described earlier is presented.