PROCESS FOR PRODUCING 20-ISOCYANO-20-(ALKYL- OR ARYLSULFONYL)- DELTA ABOVE 16-STEROIDS

摘要

The invention relates to a new process for the introduction into steroids of a 17-side chain containing a 20-keto group under the simultaneous formation of an unsaturated bond between C16 and C17 by reaction of 17-(isocyano-sulfonylmethylene)-steroids with an alkylating agent to 20-isocyano-20-sulfonyl-delta<1><6>-steroids, followed by hydrolysis of these latter compounds to 20-keto-delta<1><6>-steroids. The invention also relates to the intermediate compounds which are formed in this process, i.e. 20-isocyano-20-sulfonyl-delta<1><6>-steroids and to the ultimately formed 20-keto-delta<1><6>-steroids, as far as these latter compounds are new.