Synthesis of 2 beta,16 beta-bis-(4'-dimethyl-1'-piperazino)-3 alpha,17 beta-diacetoxy-5 alpha-androstane dibromide and related compounds.

A series of bisquaternary ammonio steroids having androstane skeletons have been prepared some of which possessed high neuromuscular blocking activity. One of the series 2 beta,16 beta-bis-(4'-dimethyl-1'-piperazino)-3 alpha, 17 beta-diacetoxy-5 alpha-androstane-dibromide (9, pipercurium bromide, Arduan) has proved to be a clinically useful agent of medium duration of action without side effects. The preparation of these ammonio steroids and structure-activity relationships within the series are described. The structure of 9 and related compounds was elucidated by spectrometric methods IR, NMR and MS.