| abstract |
Compounds of the formula <IMAGE> in which R<1> is a fluoro-, chloro- or bromomethyl group or a 2'-fluoroethyl group, R<2> is a group COR<6> in which R<6> is a C1-3-alkyl group, or OR<2> and R<3> together form a 16 alpha ,17 alpha -isopropylidenedioxy group; R<3> is a hydrogen atom, a methyl group (which can be present in either the alpha or the ss configuration) or a methylene group; R<4> is a hydrogen, chlorine or fluorine atom; R<5> is a hydrogen or fluorine atom, and the symbol ..... is a single or double bond. The compounds have good anti-inflammatory activity, in particular on topical application. The compounds of the formula I are prepared by esterification, halogenation, reduction, elimination of protective groups and reaction at a 9,11 double bond to form a 9 alpha -halo-11ss-hydroxy group. |