Investigations on sterols XXXIII: Synthesis of 18‐alkyl‐9β,10α‐pregnane derivatives

The 20‐cyanohydrin of 9β,10α‐progesterone was converted into 18‐cyano‐9β,10α‐progesterone by the so‐called hypoiodite reaction. The latter compound was used as a starting material for the synthesis of several 18‐alkyl‐9β,10α‐pregnanes. Interesting biological activities were found in the 18‐methyl‐9β,10α‐pregnane series.