Abstract: 15,16-Seco-19-nor progestins are provided which display elevated progestational activity with a minimum of ancillary hormonal activity. Processes for the preparation of the novel progestins are provided as are methods of use. A preferred method of use is in the suppression of ovulation in the human female.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stereoisomerically pure .DELTA..sup.2 compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is hydrogen or --(C.dbd.O)--R.sup.2, wherein:R.sup.2 is an organic substituent selected from the group consisting of alkyls, alkenyls, alkynyls, cycloalkyls, cycloalkylalkylenes, haloalkyls, aryls, haloaryls and arylalkylenes, and their product by the process of:(a) reacting the 17.beta.-hydroxy group of 17.beta.-hydroxy-5.alpha.-estr-1-en-3-one with dihydropyran to produce the 3-keto-17.beta.-ether;(b) reducing the 3-keto-17.beta.-ether product of step (a) with lithium in ammonia;(c) reacting the product of step (b) with dialkyl chlorophosphate to produce the 3-substituted phosphate;(d) reducing the product of step (c) with lithium and ammonia to produce the .DELTA..sup.2 -protected-17.beta.-ether product;(e) hydrolysis of the produce of step (d) to product the .DELTA..sup.2 -17.beta.-hydroxy compound;(f) oxidizing the 17.beta.

Abstract: 15,16-Seco-19-nor progestins are provided which display elevated progestational activity with a minimum of ancillary hormonal activity. Processes for the preparation of the novel progestins are provided as are methods of use. A preferred method of use is in the suppression of ovulation in the human female.

Abstract: 19-Norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol and loweralkyl homologs thereof wherein the alkyl group attached in the 17.beta. position contains from 2 to 7 carbon atoms. Said compounds, along with the corresponding known 17.beta.-methyl derivative, are found to have antifertility activity, and particularly postcoital antifertility activity, along with very low estrogenic activity, when administered orally to mammals.