Abstract: There are provided a novel process for producing [{(5Z,7E)-(1S,3R,20S)-1,3-dihydroxy-9,10-secopregna-5,7,10(19),16-tetraen-20-yl}oxy]-N-(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropyl)acetamide, which process is characterized by irradiating a compound represented by the formula: with UV to ring-open the compound, and then isomerizing the resulting compound; an intermediate useful for carrying out the process; and a process for producing the intermediate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel neurosteroid derivatives with anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective and neurogenic properties that act on the nervous system as well as methods for making the same and their applications in the treatment and/or prevention or amelioration of neurodegenerative diseases related to neuronal apoptosis or neuronal injury, or conditions related to or resulting from apoptosis, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), retinal degeneration and detachment, peripheral neuropathy caused by genetic abnormalities, diabetes, polio, herpes, AIDS and chemotherapy, brain trauma, or ischemia and stroke. The active compounds are represented by Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, A, B, X, Y and Z are defined in the description of the invention. The present invention also includes compositions which comprise one or more of the compounds of Formula (I).

Abstract: Novel processes for the C-17 spirolactonization and 6,7 oxidation of steroid compounds are provided. In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention provides for the preparation of steroid compounds which are useful in the preparation of methyl hydrogen 9,11&agr;-epoxy-17&agr;-hydroxy-3-oxopregn-4-ene-7&agr;,21-dicarboxylate, &ggr;-lactone (otherwise referred to as eplerenone or epoxymexrenone).

Abstract: The invention is directed to compounds, compositions and method of preparation of compounds of formulae I and II: wherein X, Q1, Q2, R1 and R2 are as defined by the specification. The compounds are disclosed as useful cholesterol-lowering and anti-atherosclerosis agents.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein the A.sub.1 and B.sub.1 rings are as defined by the specification. The compounds are intermediates in the preparation of oxoetiocholenic acid.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is .dbd.O or ##STR2## and the rings A and B are selected from the group consisting of ##STR3## K is oxo or a protector group of oxo of the formula ##STR4## n is 2 or 3 and R.sub.1 is an ether or ester remainder, K' is oxo or a protector oxime, hydrazone or semicarbazone group and the wavy lines symbolize an isomer mixture, a process for their preparation and their use as intermediates.

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a process for the preparation of oxoetiocholenic acid of the formula I ##STR1## by reacting a compound of the formula II ##STR2## with a halonitrile in the presence of a base followed by formation of a 3-ketone group. The intermediate formed is reacted with an acid of the formula HX in an anhydrous medium followed by dehydrohalogenation of the resulting compound in the presence of a base. The intermediate produced then undergoes alkaline hydrolysis followed by a conventional acid treatment to obtain the compound of formula I.

Abstract: Novel steroids having a 9.alpha.-hydroxy or a 9.alpha.-carbonate substituent can be prepared from 9.alpha.-hydroxyandrostenedione and can be utilized in the synthesis of commercially valuable corticosteroids such as betamethasone. The 9.alpha.-carbonates are prepared by reaction of the corresponding 9.alpha.-hydroxy steroid with a sequence of excess base, trialkylsilyl chloride, alkyl haloformate and alkanol or by using excess base, alkyl haloformate and alkoxide. 9.alpha.-Carbonate-17-keto compounds can be treated with lithium acetylide and a lithium salt to afford the corresponding 17.alpha.-ethynyl-17.beta.-hydroxy-9.alpha.-carbonate. This compound is then esterified with a novel series of reagents to give the 17-ester which can be reduced the corresponding 17-allene. Oxidation of this allene to the bis-epoxide compound, followed by treatment with an alkali metal salt of a carboxylic acid under phase transfer conditions gives the 17.alpha.-hydroxy 21-ester 9.alpha.-carbonate. Elimination of the 9.alpha.

Abstract: Novel compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein either K' is oxygen or a K, a protective group of the oxo of the formula ##STR2## wherein n is 2 or 3, the 17-position dotted line is a bond, R.sub.a and R.sub.b are individually selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or K' is an oxygen, the 17-position dotted line is an epoxy and R.sub.a and R.sub.b have the meaning indicated above which are useful intermediates for the preparation of hydrocortisone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of 17 .alpha.-hydroxy-20-oxopregnane derivatives of the general formula (I), ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 means a hydroxy or an oxo group; andthe dotted lines optionally represent one or more additional valence bond(s), with the proviso that the dotted line in the 4-position and the dotted line in the 5-position cannot each simultaneously be an additional valence bond from steroids having 23,24-dinor-17(20)-dehydrocholan-22-oic -22-oic acid structure.According to the process of the invention a steroid derivative having 23,24-dinorcholan-22-oic acid structure, containing a double bond in 17(20)-position, is transformed to 17.alpha., 20-epoxy-23,24-dinorcholanoic acid, the latter is converted to a reactive acid derivative, which is then reacted with a salt-containing azide ion to yield a 17.alpha., 20-epoxy-23,24-dinorcholanoic acyl azide derivative and the azide obtained is reacted with a mineral or organic acid in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula: ##STR1## are useful as anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-coronary agents, anti-aging agents, anti-hypolipidemic agents and anti-autoimmune agents.