Novel 3-substituted-androst-11-ones and processes for their preparation

摘要

Novel 3 - substituted - 16 - bromo - 17-hydroxy-androstan-11-ones of the general formula wherein R1 represents H or an organic acyl radical are obtained in a process in which the corresponding 17-keto compound is selectively reduced by reaction with an alkali metal borohydride to give the corresponding 17-hydroxy derivative. The 3 - substituted - 16 - bromoandrosta-11,17-dione starting material may be prepared by treating the corresponding 3-substituted-androsta-11,1 -dione with bromine in the presence of hydrobromic acid.