Phase transfer catalysed O-alkylation of estrogen hormones. Fluorescent derivatives

New fluorescent derivatives namely estrone 3-(2-alpha -acetylphenoxathiin) ether 3a, beta -estradiol 3-(2-alpha -acetylphenoxathiin) ether 3b, estriol 3-(2-alpha -acetylphenoxathiin) ether 3c and 17-alpha ethynylestradiol 3-( 2-alpha -acetylphenoxathiin) ether 3d, were synthesized starting From the i mportant biologically active estrogen hormones: estrone 1a, estradiol 1b, e striol 1c, ethynylestradiol 1d and the isomer 2-(alpha -bromoacetyl)phenoxa thiin 2 as fluorogenic reagent, through a phase transfer O-alkylation, cata lysed by the crown ether 18C6. H-1,C-13-NMR, UV-VIS and fluorescence spectr a and the R-f values were performed for the newly obtained products. Owing to their fluorescence the newly synthesized 3a-d derivatives may promote th e determination of estrogens, through analysis straightly from reaction med ium, by TLC separation and fluorescence detection.