PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF 21-HYDROXY-20-KETO-DELTA16-STEROIDS AND INTERMEDIATE COMPOUNDS FORMED IN THIS PROCESS

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the preparation of 21-hydroxy-20-keto-steroids from 17-(isocyano-­ sulfonylmethylene)-steroids whereby simultaneously an unsaturated bond is introduced between C₁₆ and C₁₇. Further­ more the invention relates to new intermediate compounds formed in this process nad their preparation and to the ulti­ mately formed 21-hydroxy-20-keto-delta¹⁶-steroids, as far as these latter compounds are new.

Description: The invention relates to a new process for the preparation of 21-hydroxy-20-keto-steroids from 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methlylene)-steroids whereby simultaneously an unsaturated bond is introduced between C₁₆ and C₁₇. Furthermore, the invention relates to new intermediate compounds formed in this process and their preparation. Steroids are used on a large scale as constituents of many kinds of pharmaceutical compositions. Dependent on the substituent pattern of the carbon-skeleton the steroids can be divided into a number of main classes. An important main class of steroids is formed by the corticosteroids. The natural representatives of the corticosteroids are usually produced by the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids are characterised by the presence of a 3-keto group, a delta-4 bond, an 11-beta-hydroxyl group, a 17-alpha-hydroxyl group and a 17-beta-hydroxyacetyl side chain. During a long time corticosteroids were made by chemical degradation of gall acids as cholic acid, desoxycholic acid and glycocholic acid. Afterwards, hecogenin, which could be isolated from plants, particularly from numerous Agave species, became an important raw material too. Since the possibility of introduction of an 11-hydroxy group by microbiological methods, diosgenin, which could be isolated from numerous Dioscoreacaea species, and stigmasterol, usually isolated from the phytosterol mixture from soya or calabar beans, have become the most important raw material for the preparation of corticosteroids. Much attention has been given to new, cheaper raw materials for the synthesis of pharmaceutically active steroids. Therefore, the degradation of the abundant soya bean derived sterols sitosterol and campesterol by a microbiological method into 17-oxo steroids was extensively investigated. As a result thereof 17-oxo steroids are readily available now at low prices which makes these compounds, together with the possibility of the introduction of an 11-hydroxy group by microbiological methods, ideal starting materials for corticosteroid syntheses. A number of chemical syntheses for the construction of the corticosteroid side chain from 17-oxo steroids is known. For instance in J. Org. Chem., 44 , 1582 (1979) a method is described which uses a sulfenate-sulfoxide rearrangement for the introduction of the 17-(dihydroxyacetone) side chain. Another route is described in J.C.S. Chem. Comm., 1981, 775, in which the reaction of 17-oxo steroids with ethyl isocyanoacetate is described, followed by a number of other reactions, which ultimately result in the dihydroxyacetone side chain of corticosteroids. Other syntheses of the corticosteroid side chain or of compounds which can be used as precursors therefore are described in J.C.S. Chem. Comm., 1981, 774, J.C.S. Chem. Comm., 1982, 551, Chem. Ber., 113 , 1184 (1980) and J. Org. Chem., 1982, 2993. The present invention relates to a new process for the introduction into steroids of a 17-side chain containing a 21-hydroxy group and a 20-keto group under the simultaneous formation of an unsaturated bond between C₁₆ and C₁₇. The invention provides a process for the preparation of 21-hydroxy-20-keto-delta¹⁶ steroids of formula III: in which R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or is absent in the case of a double bond between C₁₀ and C₁, C₅ or C₉, R₂ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkoxy groups or a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl or alkoxy groups and the rings A, B, C and D may contain one or more double bonds and may be substituted by one or more of the following groups: hydroxy, amino, oxo, halogen, alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, alkoxyalkoxy, epoxy, methylene, alkylenedioxy, alkylenedithio or alkyleneoxythio by reacting a 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene)-steroid of formula I: in which R₁ and R₂ have the meaning as listed above and rings A, B, C and D may contain double bonds and may carry substituents as defined above and in which R₃ respresents an alkyl group, an aryl group substituted or not substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl, alkoxy, nitro or cyano groups or represents a dialkylamino group, wherein the alkyl groups together with the nitrogen atom may form a heterocyclic ring with up to 8 ring atoms and optionally containing an oxygen atom under basic conditions with an aldehyde R₄HO, where R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkoxy groups or a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl or alkoxy groups and with an alkyl alcohol or an arylalkyl alcohol. and followed by hydrolysis of the intermediate 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶ steroids, in which OR₅ is alkoxy or arylalkoxy. The invention comprises also a process for the preparation of 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶steroids of formula II in which R₁, R₂, R₄ and R₅ have the meanings as defined above, rings A, B, C and D may contain double bonds and may carry substituents as defined above, by reacting a 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene) steroid as defined above under basic conditions with an aldehyde and an alcohol as defined above. The invention comprises further the new 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶ steroids (II) in which R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or is absent in the case of a double bond between C₁₀ and C₁, C₅, or C₉, R₂ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or a phenyl group, R₅ represents an alkyl, group, and the rings A, B,C, and D optionally contain one ore more double bonds, and are optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy groups, amino groups, oxygen atoms, halogen atoms or alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy or alkoxyalkoxy groups and are disubstituted or not disubstituted by one or more epoxy groups, methylene groups or alkylenedioxy, alkylenedithio or alkyleneoxythio groups. The preparation of the above-mentioned 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene) steroids is disclosed in the simultaneously filed application No. 84200595 (EP-A-0124934), entitled: "17-(Isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene) steroids, 17-(formamido-sulfonyl-methylene) steroids and their preparation", the contents of which have to be regarded as included herein. In this application a process is described for the introduction of a 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene)-group into a 17-oxo-steroid. The 21-hydroxy-20-keto-delta¹⁶ steroids obtained according to the present invention can be used for the preparation of pharmaceutically active compounds, especially corticoid steroids, by methods known in the art. Suitable 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene) steroids for the process of the invention have the general formula in which R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons, preferably a methyl group, or is absent in the case of a double bond between C₁₀ and C₁, C₅ or C₉, R₂ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons, preferably a methyl group, R₃ represents an alkyl or dialkylamino group or an aryl group substituted or not substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl, alkoxy, nitro or cyano groups, and the rings A, B, C and D optionally contain one or more double bonds, are substituted or not substituted by one or more hydroxy groups, amino groups, oxygen atoms, halogen atoms or alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy or alkoxyalkoxy groups and are disubstituted or not disubstituted by one or more epoxy groups, methylene groups, alkylenedioxy, alkylenedithio or alkyleneoxythio groups. When R₃ represents an alkyl group, suitable alkyl groups are straight or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. When R₃ represents a dialkylamino group, suitable dialkylamino groups are dialkylamino groups wherein the alkyl groups are the same or different and contain 1-8 carbon atoms, preferably 1-4 carbon atoms, or a dialkylamino group wherein the alkyl groups together with the nitrogen atom form a heterocyclic ring which optionally may contain an oxygen atom, the ring containing up to 8 ring atoms. Preferred dialkylamino groups are dimethylamino, diethylamino, pyrrolidino and morpholino. When R₃ represents an aryl group, suitable groups are phenyl and naphtyl groups, substituted or not substituted by a halogen atom, one or more alkyl groups or an alkoxy group, preferably a phenyl, p-methoxyphenyl or p-methylphenyl group. When the rings A, B, C and D contain one or more double bonds, these double bonds are preferably present between C₁ and C₂, C₃ and C₄, C₄ and C₅, C₅ and C₆, C₆ and C₇, C₉ and C₁₀, C₉ and C₁₁ and/or C₁₁ and C₁₂. More preferably the double bond is present between C₄ and C₅ and/or C₉ and C₁₁. When two or more double bonds are present especially the following systems are preferred: C₃-C₄ and C₅-C₆, C₄-C₅ and C₆-C₇, C₁-C₂ and C₄-C₅, C₁-C₂, C₃-C₄ and C₅-C₁₀ and C₁-C₂, C₄-C₅ and C₆-C₇. Preferably there is also a double bond between C₉ and C₁₁. When the rings A, B, C and D are substituted by a hydroxy group, suitable groups are 3-, 9-, 11-, 12- or 14-hydroxy groups, preferably a 3- or 9-hydroxy group. When the rings A, B, C and D are substituted by an amino group, suitable amino groups are 3-alkylamino groups, preferably containing 1-4 carbon atoms, 3-dialkylamino groups wherein the alkyl groups are the same or different, each alkyl group preferably containing 1-4 carbon atoms, or amino groups in which the nitrogen atom together with the alkyl groups forms a heterocyclic ring, preferably containing 1-8 ring atoms, which ring optionally may contain an oxygen atom. Particularly preferred are dimethylamino, diethylamino, pyrrolidino and morpholino. When the rings A, B, C and D are substituted by an oxygen atom this oxygen atom is preferably present at C₃, C₁₁ or C₁₂. When the rings A, B, C and D are substituted by a halogen atom, suitable halogen atoms are 6-, 9- or 11-fluorine, chlorine or bromine atoms, preferably 6- or 9-fluorine or chlorine atoms. When the rings A, B, C and D are substituted by an alkyl group, suitable alkyl groups are 1-, 2-, 6-, 7- or 16-methyl groups, preferably 1- or 6-methyl. When the rings A, B, C and D are substituted by an alkoxy group, suitable alkoxy groups are 3-, 9-, 11- or 12-alkoxy groups containing 1-4 carbon atoms, preferably 3-, 9-, or 11-methoxy or ethoxy groups. When the rings A, B, C and D are substituted by an alkoxyalkoxy group, suitable groups are 3- or 11-methoxymethoxy, methoxyethoxy or tetrahydropyranyloxy. When the rings A, B, C and D are disubstituted, suitable substituents are epoxy groups at C₁ and C₂ or C₉ and C₁₁ or a methylene group attached to C₁ and C₂ or a 3,3-alkylenedioxy, a 3,3-alkylenedithio or a 3,3-alkyleneoxythio group. The alkylene group preferably contains 2 or 3 carbon atoms. More particularly the invention relates to compounds in which R₁ and R₂ represent methyl or in which R₁ is absent, which are substituted by halogen, especially fluorine, or hydroxy at C₉ and a hydroxy or keto group at C₁₁, or which contain functional groups, as a double bond or epoxy group between C₉ and C₁₁, which can be converted by methods known in the art into the groups mentioned before, and which contain a keto group at C₃ and double bonds between C₁ and C₂ and/or C₄ and C₅, or which contain functional groups which can be converted into the keto group and double bonds mentioned before. The invention also relates to the intermediate 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶ steroids of the general formula II as defined above and in which R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or a alkyl or phenyl group, but preferably a hydrogen atom and R₅ represents an alkyl group, preferably a methyl group and to a process to prepare these compounds by reacting a 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene) steroid with an aldehyde and an alcohol. As the 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶ steroids can be isolated and hydrolyzed later on, the invention also comprises the preparation of 21-hydroxy-20-keto-delta¹⁶ steroids as defined above characterized by hydrolysis of the corresponding 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶ steroids. It is remarked however, that it is preferred that the two reactions are combined to a "one-pot-process". The reaction of 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene)steroids with an aldehyde and an alcohol is carried out under basic conditions. The reaction can be carried out in an inert organic solvent to which a base is added. Suitable organic solvents are methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, dioxan, bis-(2-methoxyethyl)ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof. As the first step and the second step of may be performed in a one-pot-reaction preferably a solvent is used in which also the hydrolysis can be carried out. Suitable bases which can be used are metal hydroxides and quaternary ammonium and phosphonium hydroxides, preferably alkali hydroxides, e.g. potassium hydroxide, and quaternary ammonium hydroxides, e.g. triethylbenzylammonium hydroxide. Alkali alcoholates, e.g. potassium-butoxide, may be used. The reaction can be carried out at a temperature between 0° and 100°C, preferably between 0° an 30°C. Sometimes it may be necessary to add a catalyst to the reaction mixture in the form of a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salt, for instance a trimethylbenzyl ammonium halogenide, a triethylbenzyl ammonium halogenide, a tetrabutyl ammonium halogenide or an alkyl triaryl phosphonium halogenide. Also crown ethers, as 15-crown-5 or 18-crown-6, can be used. Suitable reaction conditions are also phase transfer-conditions, i.e. a two phase system of an organic layer and an aqueous layer to which an amount of a phase transfer catalyst salt has been added. The reaction can be carried out at temperatures between 0° and 100°C, preferably between 0° and 30°C. See for a general survey of phase-transfer reactions E.V. Dehmlov and S.S. Dehmlov, Phase Transfer Catalysis, Weinheim Verlag Chemie, 1980. Suitable organic solvents for the organic layer are methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene and dichlorobenzene. In general all those organic solvents can be used which are immiscible with water, and in which the relevant compounds are soluble. Suitable aqueous layers are solutions of alkali metal hydroxides in water, for example a 5-50% solution of lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Suitable phase transfer catalysts are quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts and crown-ethers, for instance trimethylbenzyl ammonium halogenides, triethyl benzyl ammonium halogenides, tetrabutyl ammonium halogenides, alkyl triaryl phosphonium halogenides, 15-crown-15 and 18-crown-6. Examples of aldehydes wich can be used in the reaction are arylaldehydes, alkylaldehydes and formaldehyde. Suitable aldehydes are phenylaldehydes in which the phenyl group optionally is substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl or alkoxy groups, alkyl aldehydes in which the alkyl group has 1-4 carbon atoms and optionally is substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkoxy groups. Preferred aldehydes are benzaldehyde, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, more particularly formaldehyde. The formaldehyde is used either as formaline (solution in water), as paraformaldehyde or as trioxan. Suitable alcohols are alkyl alcohols and arylalkyl alcohols. Preferred alcohols are C₁-C₆ alkyl alcohols, as methanol and ethanol. A preferred arylalkyl alcohol is benzyl alcohol. In general all alcohols can be used which do not interfere in the reaction. Preferably methanol or ethanol is used. The hydrolysis of the oxazolinyl compound to the 21-hydroxy-20-keto-delta¹⁶ steroid can be carried out in an organic solvent, using an acidic aqueous solution. Suitable organics solvents are for instance diethyl ether, methanol and tetrahydrofuran. Suitable acids are diluted strong acids as hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid. Also acetic acid and formic acid can be used. It is observed that sometimes not only the oxazolinyl group is hydrolyzed but also other groups linked to the steroid skeleton. These groups may have had the function of protective groups (compare what is stated on protective groups in the simultaneously filed application entitled "17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene)-steroids and 17-(formamido-sulfonyl-methylene)-steroids and their preparation"). The invention is elucidated by means of the following examples in which THF = tetrahydrofuran and (Triton B ) = benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (40% solution in methanol). Example 1a Preparation of 3-methoxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene. 3-Methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene (239 mg, 0.5 mmol) was dissolved in 10 ml benzene. To this solution were added formaline (0.2 ml, 40% solution in water), methanol (0.2 ml), benzyl triethyl ammoniumchloride (15 mg) and 50% aqueous NaOH solution (4 ml). The mixture was stirred vigorously for 1 hour at 20°C. Extraction with benzene, filtration over Al₂O₃ (act. II-III; layer of 2 cm) followed by a washing with methylenechloride (50 ml) and evaporation in vacuo afforded the methoxy-oxazoline (170 mg, 90%). IR (neat): 1655, 1630 cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.8-2.7 (m), 1.0 (s, 6H), 3.27 (s, 3H), 3.49 (s, 3H), 4.62 (m, 2H), 5.08, 5.18 (m, 2H), 6.2 (m, 1H), 6.45 (m, 1H). The experiment was repeated, however, in stead of benzyl triethyl ammoniumchloride tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, 18-crown-6 and benzyltriethylammonium hydroxide were used. Yields respectively 93%, 83%, 53% and 91%. Example 1b Preparation of 21-hydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione. The above prepared methoxy-oxazoline (170 mg, 0.45 mmole) was dissolved in a mixture of 8% H₂SO₄ (2.5 ml) and 10 ml THF. After standing at ambient temperature for 18 hours, water was added (10 ml). The THF was removed by evaporation in vacuo at 20°C, whereafter the precipated solid was collected, washed with water and dried. Yield: 149 mg (90%; calculated on the isocyanide) m.p. 215-220°C. (dec; acetone petroleum ether 40-60°C); (alpha)²⁰ +145° (c 1.0, CHCl₃); IR (Nujol ) 3350 (OH), 1665 (C=O), 1620 (C=C). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.8-2.7 (m), 1.0 (s, 3H), 1.2 (s, 3H), 3.68 (s, 1H), 4.4 (s, 2H), 5.65 (s, 1H), 6.68 (m, 1H); Mass: M⁺ 328 (calcd. 328); (Litt.: Allen and Bernstein, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 77 , 1028 (1975), m.p. 227-232°C). Example 1c Preparation of 3-methoxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene To a solution of 3-methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene (240 mg) in THF under nitrogen formaline (0.2 ml) and Triton B (0.6 ml) were added. After stirring for 15 minutes water was added and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. After drying over a layer of alumina and evaporation in vacuo the title compound was obtained (139 mg, 83%). The compound was identical to the one described in Example 1a. The experiment was repeated, however, instead of Triton B tetraethylammonium hydroxide (0.6 ml in water) and methanol (1 ml) were used. Yield: 92%. The experiment was repeated, however, KOH (powdered, 2 g) was used as base. Tetraybutylammonium tetrafluoroborate was used a a catalyst. Yield: 92%. The experiment was repeated, however, benzene (10 ml) was used as solvent, KOH (powdered, 0.65 g) was used as a base and methanol (0.2 ml) was used as alcohol. Yield (after 1 hour stirring): 90%. When in this experiment ethanol is used instead of methanol, the same result is obtained. Example 1d Preparation of 21-hydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione 3-Methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene (239 mg) is dissolved in 10 ml THF under nitrogen. Formaline (0.2 ml, 36%), methanol (0.2 ml) and powdered KOH (0.8 g) is added. After stirring for 15 minutes the solution is filtered. Sulfuric acid (1.5 ml, 4N) is added followed by stirring for 20 hours. Water is added (10 ml), and the THF is evaporated in vacuo. The residue is filtered and the white solid is dried. Yield: 123 mg (75%) of the title compound. The same reaction was repeated, however, instead of methanol (0.2 ml) ethanol (0.2 ml) was used. Yield: 146 mg (89%). Example 2 Preparation of 3-methoxy-21-hydroxy-19-nor-pregna-1,3,5(10),16-tetraen-20-one. To a solution of 3-methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)estra-1,3,5(10)-triene (461 mg, 1 mmol) in benzene (20 ml) were added paraformaldehyde (300 mg, 10.0 mmol), methanol (0.4 ml), benzyltriethylammonium chloride (23 mg, 0.1 mmol) and 50% aqueous NaOH solution (8 ml). The mixture was stirred vigorously for one hour, then the organic solvent phase was separated from the water phase and the latter was once extracted with 5 ml of benzene. The combined benzene fractions were filtered over Al₂O₃ (act. II-III) followed by a washing with methylene chloride (100 ml). After evaporation of the solvent 3-methoxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-19-nor-pregna-1,3,5(10),16-tetraene was obtained as an oil. Without further processing this oxazolinyl compound was hydrolyzed by dissolving it in 15 ml THF and 5 ml 8% H₂SO₄. After 18 hours storage at room temperature the THF was evaporated in vacuum at 20°C. The remaining solid substance was collected, washed with water and dried. The yield was 300 mg (92%), m.p. 120-142°C. After two recrystallizations from ether/petroleum ether 40-60°C (1:4) the melting point of the product was 144-146°C. (alpha)²⁰: + 81° (c 1.00, CHCl₃). IR (Nujol ): 3550 (OH), 1670 (C=O), 1620 (C=C), 1590 (Ar) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.9-3.6 (m), 0.95 (s), 3.71 (s, 3H), 4.42 (s, 2H), 6.53, 6.65, 6.71, 7.02, 7.12 (m, 4H). Anal. calcd. for C₂₁H₂₆O₃ (326.44): C 77.27, H 8.03; found: C 77.1, H 8.1. Example 3 Preparation of 21-hydroxypregna-1,4,16-triene-3,20-dione. 17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-1,4-dien-3-one (461 mg, 1.0 mmol) was converted to the hydroxyacetyl compound as described in example 2 (with the difference that during the first reaction step the benzene solution was stirred during half an hour). Yield: 83%, m.p. 155-168°C. After two crystallizations from ether the melting point of the product was 162-174°C. (alpha)²⁰: + 92.5° (c 1.00, CHCl₃). IR (Nujol ): 3500 (OH), 1665 (C=O), 1630, 1610, 1590 (C=C) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.8-2.7 (m), 1.00 (s), 1.25 (s), 3.25 (br., 1H), 4.40 (s, 2H), 5.95-6.10 (m, 2H), 6.21, 6.23 (d, 1H), 6.6-6.7 (m, 1H). Anal. calcd. for C₂₁H₂₆O₃ (326.439): C 77.27, H 8.03; found C 76.7, H 8.1%. The experiment was repeated under the same conditions, except the stirring time of the phase transfer reaction (first reaction step). Stirring for one hour resulted in a yield of 70%, stirring for two hours resulted in a yield of 52%. Example 4 Preparation of 21-hydroxypregna-4,9(11),16-triene-3,20-dione. 3-methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5,9(11)-triene (475 mg, 1.0 mmol) was converted to the hydroxyacetyl compound as described in example 2. Yield 300 mg, 93%, m.p. 180-193°C. After two crystallizations from methylene chloride/ether (2:7) the melting point of the product was 205-208°C., (alpha)²⁰: + 204° (c 1.00, CHCl₃). IR (Nujol ): 3510 (OH), 1675 (C=O), 1620, 1595 (C=C), 1100 cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.7-3.3 (m), 0.90 (s), 1.37 (s), 3.06 (s), 4.38 (s, 2H), 5.30-5.60 (m, 2H), 5.27 (s), 6.55-5.80 (m, 1H). (Litt.: J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 77 , 1028 (1955); m.p. 204-209°C and m.p. 215-218°C, (alpha)²⁰ + 194° (c 1.0, CHCl₃)). Example 5 Preparation of 11-beta,21-dihydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione. 3-Methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)-11-beta-hydroxyandrosta-3,5-diene (493 mg, 1.0 mmol) was converted to the hydroxyacetyl compound as described in example 2 (with the difference that the stirring time during the first reaction step was 3/4 hour). Crude product 233 mg (68%). After crystallization from acetone-ether (1:3) m.p. 148°-153°C, (alpha)²⁰: + 198° (c 1.0, CHCl₃). IR (Nujol): 3500 (OH), 1690 (C=O), 1655 (br, C=C+C=O) cm⁻¹. 1H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.75-2.9 (m), 1.25 (s), 1.46 (s), 3.0-3.7 (m, 2H), 4.37 (br.s, 3H), 5.57 (s, 1H), 6.48-6.72 (m, 1H). Litt. J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 77 , 1028 (1955); m.p. 154-156°C, (alpha)²⁰: + 200° (c 0.47, CHCl₃). It is observed that the yield can be improved by a more thorough washing with CH₂Cl₂. ¹H NMR of the intermediate 3-methoxy-11-beta-hydroxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene: (CDCl₃): delta 0.7-2.9 (m), 1.23 (s, 3H), 1.28 (s, 3H), 3.27 (s, 3H), 3.48 (s, 3H), 4.25 (s, 1H), 4.61 (m, 2H), 5.00 (m, 2H), 6.13 (m, 1H), 6.40 (m, 1H). Example 6 Preparation of 9-alpha-fluoro-11-beta,21-dihydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione. 3-Methoxy-9-alpha-fluoro-11-beta-hydroxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene was converted to the hydroxyacetyl compound as described in example 2. Yield 71%, m.p. after crystallization from CH₂Cl₂-petroleum ether 40-60°C (1:1) 175-186°C, (alpha)²⁰: +165° (c 0.9, CHCl₃). IR (Nujol): 3500 (OH), 1670 cm⁻¹ (br, C=O). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.7-3.7 (m), 1.23 (s), 1.57 (s), 4.17 (br.s, 1H), 4.40 (s, 2H), 5.70 (s, 1H), 6.55-6.80 (m, 1H). Litt. US 2,963,496 discloses this compound without giving physical constants. Example 7 Preparation of 21-hydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,11,20-trione. 3-Methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-dien-11-one (491 mg, 1.0 mmol) was converted to the hydroxyacetyl compound as described in example 2 with the difference that the stirring time in the first reaction step was 15 minutes. Yield 250 mg (73%), m.p. after crystallization from CH₂Cl₂/ether 213-218°C, (alpha)²⁰: + 235° (c 1.00, CHCl₃). IR (Nujol ): 3420 (OH), 1710, 1675 (C=O), 1625 (C=C) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.8-3.5 (m), 0.91 (s), 1.40 (s), 4.41, 4.48 (d, 2H), 5.68 (s, 1H), 6.64-6.83 (m, 1H). Litt. J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 77 , 1028 (1955), m.p. 223-228°C, (alpha)²⁴: + 236° (c 1, CHCl₃). Example 8a Preparation of 1-alpha,2-alpha-methylene-6-chloro-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-4,6,16-trien-3-one 1-Alpha,2-alpha-methylene-6-chloro-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-4,6-dien-3-one (218 mg, 0.43 mmol) was dissolved in 8.6 ml benzene. 0.17 ml 40% formaline, 0.17 ml methanol, 0.03 ml Triton B and 3.44 ml aqueous NaOH solution (50%) were successively added to the benzene solution. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for half an hour. Then the two layers were separated and the water layer was washed two times with 5 ml benzene. The combined benzene layers were filtered over Al₂O₃, followed by a washing with methylene chloride. After a further purification step by means of a chromatography with toluene, as well as increasing quantities of acetone, 94 mg of the methoxy-oxazolinyl compound was obtained, m.p. 164-167°C. IR 1655 (C(3)=O), 1630 (C=N), 1060 (COC) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.7-1.0 (m, cyclopropyl), 1.096 (s, 3H), 1.261 (s, 3H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 4.65 (m, 2H), 6.15 (m, 2H), 6.22 (m, 1H). Example 8b Preparation of 1-alpha,2-alpha-methylene-6-chloro-21-hydroxypregna-4,6,16-triene-3,20-dione. The methoxy-oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 8a (90 mg) was dissolved in 8 ml THF, then 3 ml 2N H₂SO₄ was added. The mixture was stored at room temperature for 16 hours. After addition of NaHCO₃ (540 mg, 6 mmol) and some water the THF was removed by evaporation. The remaining solid substance was collected, washed with water and dried. Thus 57 mg of the hydroxyacetyl compound was obtained, m.p. 175-178°C. IR (CHCl₃): 1648, 1665 (C³=O and C²⁰=O), 1588, 1608 (C=C) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 1.030 (s, 3H), 1.258 (s, 3H), 3.1 (s, br, 1H), 4.47 (s, 2H), 6.18 (m, 2H), 6.77 (m, 1H). Example 9a Preparation of 3,3-ethyleendithio-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-androsta-4,16-diene. 3,3-Ethylenedithio-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-4-ene (540 mg, 1 mmol) was dissolved in 20 ml benzene. Then 0.4 ml formaline (40%), 0.4 ml methanol, 0.4 ml triton B and 8 ml 50 % aqueous NaOH solution were successively added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature during 20 minutes. After dilution with water the benzene layer was separated. The aqueous layer was extracted one time with 10 ml benzene. The collected benzene solutions were filtered over Al₂O₃ (act. II-III) and washed with CH₂Cl₂. After evaporation of the solvent 0.5 g of the oxazolinyl compound was obtained. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 1.01 (s, 3H), 1.07 (s, 3H), 3.33 (m, 7H), 4.3-4.9 (m, 2H), 5.53 (s, 1H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 6.59 (t, 1H). Example 9b Preparation of 3,3-ethylenedithio-21-hydroxypregna-4,16-dien-20-one. The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 9a (500 mg) was dissolved in 10 ml THF and 2.5 ml H₂SO₄ (8%). The mixture was stored at room temperature for 22 hours, then water (10 ml) was added and the THF removed by evaporation under reduced pressure. 280 mg of the hydroxyacetyl compound was obtained, m.p. 206-210°C (browning). IR (CHCl₃): 3475 (OH), 1665 (C=O), 1586 (delta¹⁶) cm⁻¹. ¹H NHR (CDCl₃): delta 0.95 (s, 3H), 1.06 (s, 3H), 3.32 (s, 4H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 5.50 (s, 1H), 6.76 (t, 1H). Example 10a Preparation of 3,3-ethylenedioxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-androsta-5,16-diene. 3,3-Ethylenedioxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-5-ene (507 mg, 1 mmol) was dissolved 20 ml benzene. Then 0.4 ml formaline (40%), 0.4 ml methanol, 0.06 ml Triton B and 8 ml 50 % aqueous NaOH solution were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for half an hour at room temperature. Then the water layer was separated and washed two times with benzene. The combined benzene layers were filtered over Al₂O₃ (act. II-III), layer thickness 3.5 cm, and washed with CH₂Cl₂. The solvent was evaporated and thus 296 mg (72%) of the oxazolinyl compound, a white solid, was obtained: m.p. 154-157°C. IR (CHCl₃): 1623 (C=N), 1093 (C-O-C) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 1.017 (s, 3H), 1.077 (s, 3H), 3.29, 3.39 (2xs, 6H), 3.92 (s, 4H), 4.66 (m, 2H), 5.35 (m, 1H), 6.27 (m, 1H), 6.54 (t, 1H). Example 10b Preparation of 21-hydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione. The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 10a (222 mg) was dissolved in 15 ml THF, then 4.5 ml 2 N H₂SO₄ were added. The solution was kept for 16 hours at room temperature. The THF was evaporated and the remaining solid was washed with water. After drying under reduced pressure 178 mg substance were obtained. However, hydrolysis was not yet complete. Therefore a further reaction with 4 N H₂SO₄ in THF was applied, resulting into the pure hydroxyacetyl compound (162 mg, 92%). IR and NMR were identically with the spectra of the product obtained in example 1b. Example 11a Preparation of 3-beta-(2'-tetrahydropyranyloxy)-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl-)androsta-5,16-diene. 3-Beta(2'-tetrahydropyranyloxy)-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-5-ene (570 mg, 1.04 mmol) was dissolved in 21 ml benzene, then formaline (0.42 ml), methanol (0.42 ml), Triton B (0.062 ml) and an aqueous NaOH solution (50%; 8.3 ml) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 25 minutes. The benzene layer was separated and the water layer was washed with two portions of 5 ml benzene. The combined benzene solutions were filtered over Al₂O₃ (act. II-III) and washed with 100 ml CH₂Cl₂. After evaporation of the solvent the oxazolinyl compound was obtained (330 mg). IR (CHCl₃): 1623 (C=N), 1055, 1025 (C-O-C). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 1.017 (s, 3H), 5.30 (m, 1H), 6.22 (m, 1H), 6.48 (m, 1H). Example 11b Preparation of 3-beta,21-dihydroxypregna-5,16-dien-20-one. The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 11a (152 mg, 0.27 mmol) was dissolved in 12 ml THF, then 3.5 ml 4 N H₂SO₄ was added. After storage at room temperature for 20 hours NaHCO₃ (1.359 g, 16 mmol) and 25 ml water were added. The THF was evaporated, the remaining solid collected, washed with water and dried. Column-purification using toluene-acetone (9:1) afforded 64 mg of the pure hydroxyacetyl compound; m.p. 194-197°C (browning at 187°C). IR (CHCl₃): 3610, 3470 (OH), 1666 (C²⁰=O), 1585 (C=C) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.96 (s, 3H), 1.03 (s, 3H), 3.18 (s, 1H), 3.35 (m, 1H), 4.33 (m, 2H), 5.24 (m, 1H), 6.74 (C¹⁶H). Example 12a. Preparation of 3-methoxy-11-alpha-hydroxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene. To a solution of 3-methoxy-11-alpha-hydroxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene (496 mg, 1 mmol) in toluene (20 ml) were added paraformaldehyde (300 mg, 10 mmol), methanol (0.8 ml), benzyltriethyl ammonium chloride (25 mg) and 50 % aqueous NaOH solution (8 ml). The mixture was stirred vigorously for 25 minutes. Extraction with toluene, filtration over Al₂O₃ (act. II-III), followed by a washing with methylene chloride and evaporation in vacuo afforded the oxazoline (196 mg). IR (CHCl₃): 1653, 1623 (C=C, C=N) cm⁻¹. ¹ H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 1.048 (s, 3H), 1.174 (s, 3H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 3.57 (s, 3H), 4.20 (m, 1H), 4.70 (m, 2H), 5.14 (s, 1H), 5.76 (m, 1H), 6.32 (tr, 1H), 6.57 (m, 1H). Example 12 b Preparation of 11-alpha,21-dihydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione. The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 12a (98 mg) was dissolved in 5 ml THF, then 1.25 ml 4 N H₂SO₄ was added. After storage at room temperature for 20 hours 5 ml water was added. The THF was evaporated and the remaining substance was collected. Yield: 69 mg. IR (CHCl₃): 3598 (OH), 3470 (OH), 1660 (C=O), 1615, 1589 (C=C) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) delta 0.996 (s, 3H), 1.271 (s, 3H), 4.20 (m, 1H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 5.77 (s. 1H), 6.80 (tr, 1H). Example 13 a Preparation of 3-methoxy-6-chloro-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene. To a solution of 1 g 3-methoxy-6-chloro-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene in 50 ml toluene were added 1 ml methanol, 1 ml formaline (40%), 75 mg benzyltriethyl ammonium chloride and 20 ml aqueous NaOH solution (50%).The mixture was stirred vigorously for 1.5 hour at ambient temperature. Extraction with toluene, filtration over Al₂O₃ (act. II-III) followed by a washing with methylene chloride and evaporation afforded the oxazoline. Yield: 0.49 g. IR (CHCl₃): 1643, 1619 (C=C + N=C) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 1.047 (s, 6H), 3.36 (s, 3H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 4.71 (m, 2H), 5.67 (s, 1H), 6.32 (tr, 1H), 6.58 (tr, 1H). Example 13b Preparation of 3-methoxy-6-chloro-21-hydroxypregna-3,5,16-trien-20-one. The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 13a (400 mg) was dissolved in 20 ml THF, then 5 ml THF was added. After storage at ambient temperature for 18 hours 20 ml water was added. The THF was evaporated and the resulting substance was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was dried and concentrated. Colomn-purification using toluene afforded 120 mg of the pure hydroxyacetyl compound; m.p. 158-160°C. IR (CHCl₃): 3471 (OH), 1670 (C=O), 1645, 1620, 1588 (C=C) cm⁻¹. NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.983 (s, 3H), 1.044 (s, 3H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 5.66 (s, 1H), 6.78 (tr, 1H). Example 14a Preparation of 3-beta-methoxymethoxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-5,16-diene. 3-Beta-methoxymethoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androst-5-ene (509 mg, 1 mmol) was converted to the oxazolinyl compound as described in example 13a (with the difference that the mixture was h stirred for 35 minutes). Yield 193 mg. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.99 (s, 3H), 1.04 (s, 3H), 3.33 (s, 7H), 4.65 (m, 4H), 5.35 (m, 1H), 6.35 (m, 1H), 6.53 (m, 1H). Example 14b Preparation of 3-beta-methoxymethoxy-21-hydroxypregna-5,16-dien-20-one. The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 14a (103 mg) was dissolved in 6 ml THF, then 1.5 ml 2N H₂SO₄ was added. After storage at room temperature for 48 hurs 15 ml water was added. The THF was removed by evaporation in vacuo, whereafter the precipitated solid was collected, washed with water and dried. Yield: 37 mg. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.95 (s, 3H), 1.05 (s, 3H), 3.34 (s, 4H), 4.42 (s, 2H), 4.64 (s, 2H), 5.35 (m, 1H), 6.71 (m, 1H). Example 15a Preparation of 17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-4,16-dien-3-one 17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androst-4-en-3-one (200 mg) was converted to the methoxy-oxazolinyl compound as described in example 1a (with the difference that the mixture was stirred for 20 minutes). Yield 120 mg. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.99 (s, 3H), 1.18 (s, 3H), 3.28 (s, 3H), 4.64 (m, 2H), 5.68 (s, 1H), 6.23 (m, 1H), 6.49 (m, 1H). Example 15b Preparation of 21-hydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 15a (120 mg) was converted to the hydroxyacetyl compound as described in example 14b. Yield: 37 mg. IR and NMR were identically with the spectra of the products obtained in examples 1b and 10b. Example 16 Preparation of 21-hydroxy-19-nor-pregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione To a solution of 351 mg 3-methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)-19-nor-androsta-3,5-diene in 15 ml toluene were added 0.3 ml formaline (40%), 0.3 ml methanol, 22 mg benzyltriethyl ammonium chloride and 6 ml aqueous NaOH solution (50%). The mixture was stirred vigorously for 65 minutes at ambient temperature. Extraction with toluene, filtration over Al₂O₃ (act. II-III) followed by a washing with methylene chloride and evaporation in vacuo afforded 112 mg 3-methoxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-19-nor-androsta-3,5,16-triene. Without further processing this oxazolinyl compound was hydrolyzed by dissolving it in 8 ml THF and 2 ml H₂SO₄. After stirring for 17 houres at room temperature, 20 ml water was added. The THF was removed by evaporation in vacuo, whereafter the precipitated solid was collected, washed with water and dried. Yield: 58 mg. IR (CHCl₃): 3475 (OH), 1666 (C=O), 1619, 1588 (C=C) cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 1.02 (s, 3H), 3.24 (s, 1H), 4.48 (s, 2H), 5.87 (s, 1H), 6.78 (tr, 1H). Example 17 Preparation of 1-alpha-methyl-3-methoxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene. The oxazolinyl compound was prepared as described in example 9a, starting from 1-alpha-methyl-3-methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)-androsta-3,5-diene (982 mg, 2 mmol). Yield: 653 mg (83 %). IR (CHCl₃): 1628 (C=N), 1057 (COC). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.78 (d, 3H), 1.03 (s, 3H), 1.07 (s, 3H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 3.52 (s, 3H), 4.65 (m, 2H), 5.06 (m, 1H), 5.29 (m, 1H), 6.25 (m, 1H), 6.52 (m, 1H). In the same way as described in Example 9b the title compound can be hydrolyzed to 1-alpha-methyl-21-hydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione. Example 18 Preparation of 3-methoxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene According to the method described in Example 2 the title compound was prepared from a number of 3-methoxy-17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene compounds with different groups attached to the sulfonyl group. The following results were obtained. Example 19 Preparation of 3-methoxy-17-(2-allyloxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene The title compound was prepared according to the method described in Example 2, starting from 477 mg of the starting compound of Example 1 and using 0.5 ml allyl alcohol (7 mmol) instead of methanol. Yield: 350 mg (86%). IR (Nujol ): 1655, 1630. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.8-2.8 (m), 1.0 (s, 6H), 3.5 (s, 3H), 3.98, 4.18 (d, 2H), 4.5-4.7 (m, 2H), 3.9-4.4 (m, 4H), 4.5-6.05 (m, 1H), 6.05-6.3 (m, 1H), 6.3- 6 (m, 1H). 3-Methoxy-17-(2-benzyloxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene was prepared in the same way, however, using benzyl alcohol (1 ml, 10 mmol) instead of allyl alcohol. Yield: 52%, m.p. 115-125°C. IR (Nujol ): 1630 (N=C). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.8-2.8 (m), 1.06 (s), 3.58 (s, 3H), 4.55-4.9 (m, 4H), 4.65 (s), 5.1-5.4 (m, 2H), 6.15-6.45 (m, 1H), 7.34 (s, 5H). Exact mass 459.276 (calcd. 459.277). Example 20 Preparation of 3-methoxy-17-(2-methoxymethoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene 3-Methoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene (239 mg, 0.5 mmol) was dissolved in benzene (7.5 ml). Sodium hydroxide (2.5 mmol, 100 mg), 15-crown-5 (0.10 ml, 0.5 mmol), paraformaldehyde (150 mg, 5 mmol) and methanol (0.2 ml) were added. After stirring for 3.5 hours the title compound was isolated from the reaction mixture in the usual way. Yield: 96%. IR (Nujol): 1625 cm-¹. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.9-2.8 (m), 1.82 (s, 3H), 3.42 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 3H), 4.6-5.05 (m, 4H), 5.1-5.4 (m, 2H), 6.2-6.4 (m, 1H), 6.6-6.9 (m, 1H). M.p. 145-165°C (CH₂Cl₂/MeOH). Anal. calcd. for C₂₅H₃₅NO₄ (413.563): C 72.61, H 8.53, N 3.39. Found: C 72.3, H 8.7, N 3.4. Remark: methoxymethanol is probably formed by reaction of a molecule formaldehyde and a molecule methanol. Example 21a Preparation of 3-isobutoxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene 3-Isobutoxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene (520 mg, 1 mmol) was converted to the methoxy-oxazolinyl compound as described in example 13a with the difference that tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate was used as phase transfer catalyst. Yield: 240 mg. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 0.95, (d, 6H), 1.046 (s, 6H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 3.47 (d, 2H), 4.70 (m, 2H), 5.12 (s, 1H), 5.18 (tr, 1H), 6.30 (tr, 1H), 6.57 (tr, 1H) ppm. Example 21b Preparation or 21-hydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 21a (192 mg) was converted to the hydroxyacetyl compound as described in example 1b. Yield: 119 mg (73%). IR was identically with the IR of the product obtained in example 1b. Example 22a Preparation of 3-methoxy-9-alpha-hydroxy-17-(2-methoxy-3-oxazolin-4-yl)androsta-3,5,16-triene 3-Methoxy-9-alpha-hydroxy-17-(isocyano-p-methylphenylsulfonyl-methylene)androsta-3,5-diene (494 mg, 1 mmol) was converted to the methoxy-oxazolinyl compound as described in example 13a. Yield: 170 mg. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): delta 1.045 (s, 3H), 1.146 (s, 3H), 3.36 (s, 3H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 4.70 (m, 2H), 5.17 (s, 1H), 5.31 (tr, 1H), 6.30 (tr, 1H), 6.57 (d, 1H) ppm. Example 22b Preparation of 9-alpha,21-dihydroxypregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione. The oxazolinyl compound prepared according to example 22a (97 mg) was dissolved in 6 ml THF and 1.5 ml 2N H₂SO₄. The mixture was stored at room temperature for 22 hours, then water (10 ml) was added and the THF removed by evaporation under reduced pressure. 34 mg of the hydroxyacetyl compound was obtained. IR (KBr): 3400 (OH), 1664 (C=O, 2x), 1612, 1579 (C=C). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 0.992 (s, 3H), 1.369 (s, 3H), 2.95 (br, s, OH), 3.58 (br, s, OH), 4.40-4.54 (AB, 2H), 5.81 (s, 1H), 6.81 (tr, 1H). Example 23 Preparation of 21-hydroxy-pregna-4,16-diene-3,20-dione Potassium-t-butoxide (840 mg, 7.5 mmol) was added to dry tetrahydrofuran (25 ml) whereafter the suspension was cooled to -70°C. TosMIC (1.17 g, 6 mmol) dissolved in 10 ml THF was added to the suspension. After 10 minutes stirring at -70°C 3-methoxyandrosta-3,5-dien-17-one (1.5 g, 5 mmol) dissolved in 15 ml THF was added. The mixture was stirred for two hours at -40° - -30°C, followed by the addition of phosphoric acid (0.64 g, 7.5 mmol) at -35°C. After stirring for 10 minutes, triethylamine (7.5 ml, 54 mmol) and phosphoroxychloride (1 ml, 11 mmol) were added at -35°C. The reaction mixture was stirred for one hour at 0°C, and formaline (2 ml, 36%), methanol (2 ml) and KOH (powdered, 7 g) were added. After stirring for 20 minutes the reaction mixture was filtered. Sulfuric acid (20 ml, 4N) was added, followed by 10 ml THF. After stirring for 20 hours the THF was evaporated in vacuo. The crystals were sucked dry, washed with water and dried. Yield: 1.22 g (74%) of the title compound, which was identical with the compound made in Example 1b.

Claims: Process for the preparation of 21-hydroxy-20-keto-delta¹⁶-steroids of formula III: in which R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or is absent in the case of a double bond between C₁₀ and C₁, C₅ or C₉, R₂ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkoxy groups or a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl or alkoxy groups and the rings A, B, C and D may contain one or more double bonds and may be substituted by one or more of the following groups: hydroxy, amino, oxo, halogen, alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, alkoxyalkoxy, epoxy, methylene, alkylenedioxy, alkylenedithio or alkyleneoxythio characterized by reacting a 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene) steroid of formula I: in which R₁ and R₂ have the meaning as listed above and rings A, B, C and D may contain double bonds and carry substituents as defined above and in which R₃ represents an alkyl group, an aryl group substituted or not substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl, alkoxy, nitro or cyano groups, or represents a dialkylamino group, wherein the alkyl groups together with the nitrogen atom may form a heterocyclic ring wish up to 8 ring atoms and optionally containing an oxygen atom under basic conditions with an aldehyde R₄HO, where R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkoxy groups or a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl or alkoxy groups and with an alkyl alcohol or an arylalkyl alcohol, and followed by hydrolysis. Process for the preparation of 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶ steroids of formula II in which R₁, R₂ and R₄ have the meanings as defined in claim 1, rings A, B, C and D may contain double bonds and carry substituents as defined in claim 1 and R₅ represents an alkyl or arylalkyl group, characterized by reacting a 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene) steroid according to claim 1 under basic conditions with an aldehyde and an alcohol as defined in claim 1. Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reaction is carried out in an inert organic solvent using a metal hydroxide, a metal alcoholate or a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium hydroxide as base. Process according to claim 3, characterized in that a catalyst is added to the reaction mixture in the form of a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salt or a crown ether. Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reaction is carried out under phase-transfer conditions. Process according to claims 1-5, characterized in that the aldehyde is a phenylaldehyde in which the phenyl group optionally is substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl or alkoxy groups or an alkyl aldehyde in which the alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally is substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkoxy groups, preferably benzaldehyde or acetaldehyde. Process according to claim 1-6, characterized in that the aldehyde is formaldehyde. Process according to claims 1-7, characterized in that the alcohol is an alkyl alcohol or arylalkylalcohol, preferably a C₁-C₆ alkylalcohol. Process according to claims 1-8, characterized in that the alcohol is methanol or ethanol. Process for the preparation of 21-hydroxy-20-keto-delta¹⁶-steroids according to claim 1, characterized by hydrolysis of the 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶-steroids according to claim 2. Process according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that the hydrolysis is carried out in an organic solvent using an acidic aqueous solution. Process according to claims 1-11, characterized in that the 17-(isocyano-sulfonyl-methylene) steroid has the general formula: or the 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶ steroid has the general formula: in which R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or is absent in the case of a double bond between C₁₀ and C₁, C₅ or C₉, R₂ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R₃ represents an alkyl or dialkylamino group, or an aryl group substituted or not substituted by one or more halogen atoms, alkyl, alkoxy, nitro or cyano groups, R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkoxy groups or a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms or alkyl or alkoxy groups, R₅ represents an alkyl or arylakyl, group, and the rings A, B, C and D optionally contain one or more double bonds, and are optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy groups, amino groups, oxygen atoms, halogen atoms or alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy or alkoxyalkoxy groups and are disubstituted or not disubstituted by one or more epoxy groups, methylene groups, or alkylenedioxy, alkylenedithio or alkyleneoxythio groups. Process according to claims 1-12, characterized in that R₄ represents a hydrogen atom and R₅ represents a methyl group. Process as defined in claim 12 or 13, characterized in that R₃ represents an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or R₃ represents a phenyl or naphthyl group optionally substituted by a halogen atom, one or more alkyl groups or an alkoxy group, preferably R₃ represents a phenyl, p-methoxyphenyl or p-methylphenyl group. Process according to claims 12-14 in which the rings A, B, C and D contain one or more double bonds characterized in that these double bonds are present between C₁ and C₂, C₃ and C₄, C₄ and C₅, C₅ and C₆, C₆ and C₇, C₉ and C₁₁ and/or C₁₁ and C₁₂. Process according to claims 12-15, characterized in that the rings A, B, C and D are substituted by one or more 3-, 9-, 11-, 12- or 14-hydroxy groups, and/or by an oxygen atom at C₃, C₁₁ or C₁₂ and/or by one or more 6-, 9- or 11-fluorine, chlorine or bromine atoms, and/or by a 1- or 6-methyl group, and/or by a 3-, 9- or 11-alkoxy group containing 1-4 carbon atoms, and/or by a 3- or 11- alkoxyalkoxy group. Process according to claims 12-16, characterized in that the rings A, B, C and D are disubstituted by an epoxy group at C₁ and C₂ or C₉ and C₁₁ and/or by a methylene group attached to C₁ and C₂ and/or by a 3,3-alkylenedioxy, a 3,3-alkylenedithio or a 3,3-alkyleneoxythio group. 17-(2-OR₅-3-oxazolin-4-yl)-delta¹⁶ steroids with the general formula: in which R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or is absent in the case of a double bond between C₁₀ and C₁, C₅, or C₉, R₂ represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R₄ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl or a phenyl group, R₅ represents an alkyl, group, and the rings A, B,C, and D optionally contain one ore more double bonds, and are optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy groups, amino groups, oxygen atoms, halogen atoms or alkyl, alkylene, alkoxy or alkoxyalkoxy groups and are disubstituted or not disubstituted by one or more epoxy groups methylene groups or alkylenedioxy, alkylenedithio or alkyleneoxythio groups.

Inventors: VAN LEUSEN, ADRIAAN MARINUS, VAN LEUSEN, ALBERT MATTHEUS
Applicants: ROUSSEL-UCLAF
Application year: 1984
Main classification: C07J13
IPC codes: C07J41, C07B61, C07J75, C07J53, C07J51, C07J33, C07J13, C07J43, B01J23, B01J31, C07J5