A new process for the preparation of 17.beta.-hydroxy-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid .gamma.-lactone is described herein. The process makes use of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione as the starting material and 17.alpha.-ethynyl-17.beta.-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one as an early intermediate.
AbstractReaction of steroidal 3,5‐dienamines (including 9β,10α‐ and 19‐nor‐compounds) with formaldehyde gave 6‐hydroxymethyl derivatives as major products. The latter compounds are valuable intermediates for the preparation of 6‐methyl‐3‐keto‐Δ4,6‐steroids.