Comparison of the use of inorganic and organic bases in the Zimmermann reaction for 17-oxosteroids.

A comparison has been made between inorganic and organic bases proposed for use in the Zimmermann reaction for 17-oxosteroids. The use of inorganic base in pyridine solution is preferred for large scale liquid chromatography because of its high sensitivity and its better wetting characteristics. Several of the organic bases tested have desirable characteristics when used for total group assays and may be preferred by some for such assays.