| abstract |
The invention comprises compounds of formula <FORM:1120814/C2/1> wherein A is an ethylene or vinylene group and Z is a carbonyl, a -hydroxy or acyloxy-methylene, b -hydroxy or acyloxy-methylene, a -R-b -hydroxymethylene, a -R1-b -COCH2R1-methylene or a -R1-b -CH(OH)CH3-methylene group wherein R is a C1- 3 hydrocarbon or halohydrocarbon group and R1 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy or acyloxy group, and their preparation from the corresponding 4,9-dienes by hydrogenation in the presence of a noble metal catalyst at a hydrogen pressure not exceeding three atmospheres and a temperature in the range 0-50 DEG C., followed, if desired, by 5,6-dehydrogenation, 17-oxidation to a 17-keto compound, or 17-acylation. The compounds of the invention have gonadotrophin-inhibiting properties and may be used in pharmaceutical compositions in combination with a carrier. |