Functionalisations of estrone benzyl ether at the 11 and 12 positions

The prior protection of estrone as estrone benzyl ether (EBE) facilitated the 9,11 dehydrogenation by DDQ, which is a key step for the 11 functionalisation. The oxidation of estrone benzyl ether by an excess of DDQ in dioxane containing a small amount of methanol allowed for an unusual 12 functionalisation with a methoxy group.