Abstract: The invention is directed to a method to reduce a C—C double bond of an enone of a steroidal compound to produce a mixture of ? ketone product and ? ketone product, comprising treating a solution or suspension of the steroidal compound in a solvent with hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst and a substituted pyridine.

Abstract: A fuel pellet is produced by the combination of organic waste material with a binder obtained by direct liquefaction and/or fast pyrolysis of biomass material. Direct liquefaction and fast pyrolysis are carried out according to known liquefaction processes. The liquefied bio-binder base is mixed with additives, if desired, such as petroleum asphalt and cross-linking agents, in order to modify its characteristics to meet specific needs of particular applications, and the resulting mixture is mixed with organic-waste material preheated to 100° C. or more and allowed to react at about 150-200° C. Combustible extenders and fillers, reinforcing fibers, and cross-linking agents may be mixed with the organic material or the bio-binder base to provide additional specific properties to the mixture. The resulting well mixed mass is then pelletized or otherwise molded in conventional equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a compound of the formula: ##STR1## by reacting a compound of the formula: ##STR2## with: (1) a chlorinating reagent selected from an N-chloroimide or an N-chloroamide; (2) an anhydrous strong acid selected from orthophosphoric acid, alkylsulfonic acids, fluoroalkylsulfonic acids or arylsulfonic acids; and (3) anhydrous dimethylformamide; at a temperature within the range of about -78.degree. to about 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R and R' and the A and B are as defined in the specification. ##STR2## K is selected from the group consisting of ##STR3## n is 2 or 3 and the dotted lined is an optional bond.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms optionally substituted by halogen or a nitrogen or oxygen function and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the A, B, C and D rings are optionally substituted by at least one member of the group consisting of optionally protected --OH or .dbd.0, halogen, alkyl and alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and alkenyl and alkynyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms comprising reacting a compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 and the A, B, C and D rings are defined as above with an oxidizing agent in the presence of water and an at least partially water-miscible solvent to obtain a compound of the formula ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.