Synthesis of symmetrical bis-steroid pyrazines connected via D-rings

Bis-steroid pyrazines fused through rings D of the steroid skeleton were sy nthesized. Methods for the preparation of the corresponding rings A fused d erivatives (cephalostatin type) were checked on simple androstanes and then a symmetrical D fused analogue, 5 alpha -androstano[16 " ,17 " -5',6']pyra zino[2',3'-16,17]-5 alpha -androstane-3 beta ,3 " beta -diol, was prepared. Partially substituted bis-steroid pyrazines in both series were prepared a nd their use for the preparation of higher fused compounds was discussed. N o significant cytostatic activity was found on parent bis-steroid pyrazines both A and D fused.