Process for the preparation of 17alpha-cyanomethyl-17beta-hydroxy steroids

摘要

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 17±-cyanomethyl-17² hydroxy steroids comprising the reaction of 17-keto steroids with cyanomethyl cerium derivatives. The process is advantageous for the industrial production, since it avoids the use of cyanides and allows to obtain higher yields compared to the use of lithium acetonitrile.