Synthesis of Atamestane (SH 489): An Aromatase Inhibitor

Abstract Atamestane (SH 489) was synthesized from 17β-Acetoxy-1α-methyl-5α-androstan-3-one. Thus dibromination followed by dehydrobromination of the A-ring gave dienone (5) in good yield, which was hydrolyzed and oxidized to give the title compound in 60% overall yield.