| abstract |
A novel group of 18,18-difluorosteroids of the general formula ##STR1## wherein St, R 1 and R 2 have the meanings given hereinafter is produced by a chemically novel process characterized in that a corresponding 18-oxo compound is treated with a compound of the formula F 3 SX, wherein X denotes a fluorine atom or an amino group derived from a secondary amine. The compounds of the invention are useful as pharmaceutical intermediates. A number of them are physiologically active and possess hormone-like properties, e.g. those of sexual and/or adrenocortical hormones, such as the gonadotropin-blocking, ovulation-blocking, androgenic, oestrogenic, progestagenic, anabolic, antioestrogenic, antiandrogenic, mineralocorticoid, glucocorticoid and antiinflammatory activity, and can be used in lieu of known hormones or agents possessing corresponding hormone-like properties. |