| abstract |
Syntheses of steroids such as 3-hydroxy-7α-methyl-21-[2'-methoxy-4'-(diethylaminomethyl)-phenoxy]-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)triene citrate ('SR 16234') and analogs thereof are provided, wherein 21-hydroxy-19-norpregna-4-en-3-one serves as a starting material or intermediate. The latter compound may be readily prepared from estrone-3-methyl ether. Certain intermediates in these syntheses also have value as therapeutic agents, for example in the treatment of prostate disorders such as prostatic cancer. |