Abstract: The process for separating the R(?)- and S(+)-5-[2-[[2-(2-ethoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino]propyl]-2-methoxybenzene-sulfonamide enantiomers comprises (a) reacting a mixture of said enantiomers with an optically active organic acid to form diastereoisomeric salts with said enantiomers, where in said diastereoisomeric salts have different solubility and can be separated by crystallization; (b) separating the diastereoisomeric salt mixture enriched in the salt of one of the enantiomers; and (c) releasing said salts to obtain the R(?)or S(+) enantiomer. The R(?)-5-[2-[[2-(2-ethoxyphenoxy) ethyl]amino]propyl]-2-methoxybenzenesulfonamide enantiomer has ?-adrenergic blocking activity and is useful as an antihypertensive agent suitable for the treatment of congestive heart failure and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Abstract: 17&bgr;-(N-tert-butylcarbamoyl)-3-one-4-aza-steroids (I) can be obtained by a process which comprises the reaction of 17&bgr;-(alkoxycarbonyl)-3-one-4-aza-steroid with lithium tert-butylamide in an organic solvent. Some compounds of formula (I), for example, finasteride, are useful as inhibitors of 5&agr;-reductase, and can be used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and alopecia.

Abstract: 17&bgr;-(N-tert-butylcarbamoyl)-3-one-4-aza-steroids (I) can be obtained by a process which comprises the reaction of 17&bgr;-(alkoxycarbonyl)-3-one-4-aza-steroid with lithium tert-butylamide in an organic solvent. Some compounds of formula (I), for example, finasteride, are useful as inhibitors of 5&agr;-reductase, and can be used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and alopecia.