Synthetic steroids. Part VIII. The preparation of 3β,18-dihydroxy-androst-5-en-17-one and its conversion into 3β-hydroxy-18-nor-13α-androst-5-en-17-one

Abstract

The partial synthesis of 3β,18-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one from 3β-acetoxypregn-5-en-20-one is described by way of 3β-acetoxy-18-hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one hemiketal. The conversion of 3β,18-dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one into 3β-hydroxy-18-nor-13α-androst-5-en-17-one by pyrolysis or by treatment with base is described. No 18-nor-dehydroepiandosterone was isolated by the route here described.