| abstract |
Described is a method for the preparation of 1-methyl-3-keto-Δ1,4-steroids of general formula (I) in which St represents the residue of a steroid molecule, the method being characterized in that a 3-keto-Δ1,4-steroid of general formula (II) in which St is as defined above is reacted in an inert solvent, in the presence of a nickel salt which is soluble in the solvent, with an organometallic compound of formula (III), (IV) or (V) in which X is a methyl group, an alkoxy group with a maximum of 6 carbon atoms or a phenoxy group optionally substituted by halogen atoms, alkoxy groups with a maximum of 6 carbon atoms and/or alkyl groups with a maximum of 6 carbon atoms and Y¿1?, Y2 and Y3 as well as Z1 and Z2, which may be the same or different, are the same as X. |