abstract |
The present invention is directed to 2$g(b),19-(methyleneamino)androst-4-ene-3,17-dione and the corresponding 17$g(b)-ol which are useful as aromatase inhibitors. The compounds are prepared by the cyclization of an appropriate 19-N-protected-[(2-methoxyethoxy)methylamino] steroid using titanium tetrachloride followed by, if desired, selective reduction of the 17-ketone. |