Abstract: Novel 17.beta.-methoxycarbonyl derivatives of the androstane series of the formula ##STR1## in which R represents alkyl having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms are distinguished by a high local anti-inflammatory activity without having any systemic side effects. The compounds are manufactured by conventional processes of steroid chemistry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for the manufacture of 17- and 17a-carboxylic acids of the androstane and D-homo-androstane series respectively, of the following partial formula of the ring D ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or an unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbon radical or a free or functionally modified hydroxyl group, and wherein the carboxyl group can be in the .alpha.- or .beta.-position, and of the salts and functional acid derivatives thereof, in particular their esters. The new process consists in the oxidative degradation of the side chain of corrsponding 20, 21-ketoaldehydes of the pregnane or D-homopregnane series or of the 17.alpha.-pregnane or 17a.alpha.-D-homopregnane series with an organic peracid in an inert solvent, preferably at temperatures between -20 and +30.degree. C, and optionally converting free functional groups present into their derivatives or setting free functional groups from substituents which are derivatives of such groups.

Abstract: A new method for converting 11.beta.,18; 18,20-bis-epoxy-pregn-20-enes to 11.beta.,18-epoxy-18,21-dihydroxy-20-oxo-pregnane compounds or functional derivatives thereof is described and claimed. It consists in treating said bis-epoxy compounds with a heavy metal acylate having an acyloxylating action, such as lead - (IV), cerium - (IV), mercury - (II) and thallium - (III) - acylates. Preferred agent is lead tetraacetate. The reaction is conducted in a solvent or suspending agent like benzene or its homologs or chlorinated paraffins, like methylene chloride, preferably at room temperature and optionally in the presence of an acid.In the 21- acylates of 11.beta.,18-epoxy-18,21-dihydroxy-20-oxo-pregnane compounds thus obtained the 21-hydroxy group and any other protected functional groups can be set free in manner known.The process is especially important for the manufacture of aldosterone or its derivatives.