Synthesis of novel 17-triazolyl-androst-5-en-3-ol epimers via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition and their inhibitory effect on 17α-hydroxylase/C-lyase.

•Synthesis of 1′,4′-substituted-1,2,3-triazolyl epimeric androstane derivatives.•The in vitro inhibitory effect of the triazoles on C17,20-lyase was investigated.•The C-17 epimers of steroidal triazoles influence the C17,20-lyase effect.•C17,20-lyase inhibitors were found in the 17α-triazolyl series.