Abstract: Steroids of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, tetrahydropyranyl, trityl and trimethylsilyl, R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acryl of an alkanoic acid of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and tetrahyropyranyl and the wavy line indicates that the OR.sub.1 group may be in either position about the carbon atom and a process and intermediates for their preparation which compounds are useful as intermediates to form novel tritium compounds of the formula ##STR2## wherein R and R.sub.1 have the above definition which are useful as intermediates for the production of (6,7-H.sup.3) 17.alpha.,21-dimethyl-19-nor-.DELTA..sup.4,9 -pregnadiene-3,20-dione.