Heterodimeric bis(amino thiol) complexes of oxorhenium(V) that mimic the structure of steroid hormones. Synthesis and stereochemical issues

We have prepared a series of bis-bidentate complexes of rhenium that mimic the size, shape, and peripheral functionality of steroidal androgens. In a model system, we used 2D NMR and X-ray crystallographic analysis to show that adjacent N-methyl and oxo substitutents adopt an anti configuration during the coordination reaction. We have synthesized a bis-bidentate oxorhenium(V) complex whose structure and peripheral functionality mimic 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone. 2D-NMR analysis indicates that the N-methyl and oxo substituents are driven into the steroidal anti configuration (beta-N-methyl, alpha-oxo) by the beta-orientation of the methyl group equivalent to C-18. Thus, this metal complex provides a remarkable structural and stereochemical mimic of a steroid. Its in vivo stability, however, appears to be limited.