| abstract |
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Known pregnane derivatives are prepared by esterifica-tion of known androstane derivatives to give new esters of Formula III (III), wherein ---- in each case symbolizes a single bond or a double bond, n is 1 or 2, R1 is hydrogen or methyl, R2 is hydrogen or formyl, and R3 is chlorine, hydroxy or an alkkanoyloxy group of up to 6 carbon atoms, and reaction of the latter with Ag(I) and formic acid. The pregnane derivatives so produced are convert-ible by known methods to pharmacological active steroids such as hydrocortisone, 6-alpha-methyl-hydrocortisone, prednisolone or 6-alpha-methyl-prednisolone. |