eta(4)-endo-(17 alpha,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,11,20-trione)(eta(5)-cyclopentadienyl)rhodium(I) was synthesized by successive treatment of 17-alpha,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,11,20-trione with [(C2H4)(2)RhCl](2) and CpTl in a yield of 54%. H-1 NMR studies demonstrated that coordination of the organometallic moiety occurs from the side opposite to the 19-CH3 group. Upon coordination, ring A of the prednisone ligand is fixed to adopt a boat conformation, and the basicity of the 3-CO group increases substantially.