PROCESS FOR PREPARING GUGGULSTERONES

摘要

The present invention provides an improved process for the preparation of Guggulsterones which comprises epoxidising 16-dihydropegnenolone acetate (16 DPA) by reacting 16DPA with hydrogen peroxide reagent adduct in the presence of a co-base in a polar solvent to obtain 3 .beta. hydroxy-16 .alpha., 17- oxido-5 pregnen-20-one, converting the 3 .beta. hydroxy-16.alpha., 17-oxido- 5- pregnen-20-one by reacting with hydrazine in the presence of a strong base a t refluxing temperature followed by oxidation to obtain desired guggulsterones viz. to 5, 17 - (20)-cis and trans pregnadiene - 3 .beta., 16-diol of the formula Ia and Ib.