Abstract: Neuroactive benz[e]indene compounds ##STR1## are prepared by a total synthesis from the following three starting materials ##STR2##

Abstract: Novel tricyclic steriod analogs are disclosed which are 1H-benz[e]indene dodecahydro compounds that are useful for enhancing GABA-induced chloride currents at the GABA receptor/chloride ionophore complex and can be represented by the following structural formulas: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 =H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or fluoroalkyl;R.sub.2 =H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or fluoroalkyl, in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be the same or different;R.sub.3 =H or CH.sub.3 ;R.sub.4 =H or CH.sub.3, in which R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 can be the same or different;R.sub.5 =H;R.sub.6 =H;R.sub.5,R.sub.6 =.dbd.O(carbonyl);R.sub.7 =H;R.sub.8 =a hydrogen bond accepting group.R.sub.7,R.sub.8 =.dbd.O(carbonyl); andR'=an ester group.

Abstract: Novel tricyclic steroid analogs are disclosed which are 1H-benz[e]indene dodecahydro compounds that are useful for enhancing GABA-induced chloride currents at the GABA receptor/chloride ionophore complex and can be represented by the following structural formulas: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 =H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or fluoroalkyl;R.sub.2 =H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or fluoroalkyl, in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be the same or different;R.sub.3 =H or CH.sub.3 ;R.sub.4 =H or CH.sub.3, in which R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 can be the same or different;R.sub.5 =H;R.sub.6 =H;R.sub.5,R.sub.6 =.dbd.O(carbonyl);R.sub.7 =H;R.sub.8 =a hydrogen bond accepting group.R.sub.7,R.sub.8 =.dbd.O(carbonyl); andR'=an ester group.

Abstract: Novel tricyclic steriod analogs are disclosed which are 1H-benz[e]indene dodecahydro compounds that are useful for enhancing GABA-induced chloride currents at the GABA receptor/chloride ionophore complex and can be represented by the following structural formulas: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 =H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or fluoroalkyl;R.sub.2 =H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or fluoroalkyl, in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 can be the same or different;R.sub.3 =H or CH.sub.3 ;R.sub.4 =H or CH.sub.3, in which R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 can be the same or different;R.sub.5 =H;R.sub.6 =H;R.sub.5,R.sub.6 =.dbd.O(carbonyl);R.sub.7 =H;R.sub.8 =a hydrogen bond accepting group.R.sub.7,R.sub.8 =.dbd.O(carbonyl); andR'=an ester group.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## and the pharmaceutically acceptable esters thereof, wherein rings A and B are selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## wherein x represents an aromatic ring, or the presence or absence of 0, 1, or 2 conjugated or unconjugated .pi. bond(s), andwherein x represents the presence or absence of 0, 1, or 2 conjugated or unconjugated .pi. bond(s), andwherein a non-aromatic .pi. bond, if present, may optionally be converted to an epoxide;and wherein the dotted line represents the presence or absence of a .pi. bond,and wherein:R.sup.1 is H, acyl(1-6), or alkyl(1-6);R.sup.2 is H, alkyl(1.varies.6), 2-propynyl, or allenyl;R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is each independently H or OR.sup.5, wherein R.sup.5 is H, acyl(1-6), or alkyl(1-6); andwherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is each independently H, alkyl(1-6) or is --C.tbd.CR.sub.3, --CH.dbd.CHR.sub.3, or --CH.dbd.C.dbd.CHR.sub.3, wherein R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of H, halo, CF.sub.

Abstract: .gamma.-Thiobutyrolactone derivatives having short chain .alpha.- and/or .gamma.-alkyl or alkenyl substituents have useful anticonvulsant properties.