3 ALPHA-HYDROXY-3 BETA-METHOXYMETHYL-SUBSTITUTED STEROIDS AND THE USE THEREOF

摘要

This invention relates to compounds having the Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug or solvate thereof, wherein: R₁ is H or methyl; R₂ is 5alpha- or 5beta-H; R₃ is an optionally substituted N-attached heteroaryl group or a group -X-R₄; R₄ is an optionally substituted carbon-attached heteroaryl group; and X is O, S or N. The invention also is directed to the use of 3alpha-hydroxy-3beta-methoxymethyl-substituted steroids as sedative/hypnotics and for inducing anesthesia.