Abstract: Novel intermediate compounds of formula IV, V, VI, VII and VIII which are useful for the preparation of steroids of the formula ##STR1## wherein the substituents are defined in the specification.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a process for the preparation of a steroid of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and theo A, B, C, and D ring system has at least one double bond and is optionally substituted by at least one optionally protected hydroxy, optionally protected keto, halogen, alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms by reacting the corresponding 17-ketosteroid with a compound of the formula ##STR2## and then by reacting the resulting compound with an aryl sulfenyl halide. The intermediate produced then undergoes rearrangement followed by epimerization with a strong base to obtain a mixture of the corresponding sulfoxide diastereoisomers which is reacted with a thiophilic compound. The intermediate produced undergoes acid hydrolysis to provide the compound of formula I.