New efficient pathway for the synthesis of 3-aminoestrone

3-Aminoestrone, a non-natural C-18 steroid, was synthesized by the classical and by a new efficient pathway, the latter using benzophenone imine as an ammonia equivalent in the palladium(0)-catalysed amination of estrone-triflate. This methodology circumvents the problems encountered when applying the classical pathway, the poor yield, high reactional temperature and weak purity.