US 4,272,446 AGrant

Steroids and Process for Preparing the Same

Issue Date:1981-06-09

•9 Claims

Abstract

Novel steroids are described together with processes of making them and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The steroids have pharmaceutical activity, especially antiinflammatory activity. They are all 2-Bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-diones.

Metadata

Assignee

Pierrel S.p.A.

Inventors

Mario Riva
Luciano Toscano

Application Information

Application Number:US 0030295

Filing Date:1979-01-12

Priority Date:1974-02-27

Art Unit:125

Classifications

IPC:

C07J 500

Field of Search:

260239.55 D;397.45;239.55 R;239.55 C

Patent Drawings

This patent does not have any drawings.

Description

The present invention relates to a new class of steroids having good anti-inflammatory activity, to processes of making them and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Many steroids having anti-inflammatory activity upon topical and/or systemic administration are known and some of them have quite satisfactory anti-inflammatory activity. Unfortunately they all tend to give undesired side effects. For instance they may disturb the mineral balance in the subject to which they are administered, for example they may reduce the potassium and/or sodium balance and they may affect adversely the adrenals function.

Accordingly their application has to be conducted with caution.

It has been our object to produce novel steroids that have very good anti-inflammatory activity, preferably higher than that of most or all known steroids, and which have very low or no side effects, preferably when measured in absolute terms but in particular when measured as the therapeutic ratio, i.e. the ratio of the active dose that is required to achieve the desired anti-inflammatory activity to the minimum dose that incurs undesired side effects.

We have now found that 2-Bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-diones have high anti-inflammatory activity and at the same avoid completely or at least minimise the undesirable side effects of known steroid compounds. The preferred novel compounds of the invention have the general formula ##STR1##

wherein

X represents Br, Cl, or OQ;

Y represents Br, Cl, F or H;

R.sub.1 represents OQ;

R.sub.2 represents OQ;

R.sub.3 represents H, .alpha.OQ, .alpha.CH.sub.3 or .beta.CH.sub.3, and

the radicals Q, which may be the same or different, are selected from H and

acyl radicals, or the groups OQ in the 16 and 17 positions or in the 17 and 21 positions may together form a cyclic ketal, cylic acetal or cyclic alkyl orthoester, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters with those compounds wherein at least one radical OQ is a carboxylic or an inorganic acid radical. The salts are preferably water soluble and are preferably with an alkali metal, for example sodium or potassium. The esters are preferably with an aliphatic, aryl, arylaliphatic or cycloaliphatic group. The OQ group of R.sub.1 can be also an alkyl orthoester.

Typical values of aliphatic radicals suitable as the esterifying radical in a dicarboxylic acyl group are alkyl, preferably containing up to 7 carbon atoms, and alkenyl. Particularly preferred are alkyl containing up to 4 carbon atoms, especially methyl, ethyl and propyl. Typical cycloaliphatic are cycloalkyl radicals containing 5 to 8 carbon atoms, for example cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl. Typical arylaliphatic radicals are phenyl alkyl radicals, for example where alkyl is as described above, for instance benzyl. Typical aryl radicals are those containing a phenyl ring, for example unsubstituted phenyl.

When Q is acyl, OQ thus being an ester radical, Q may be the radical of an inorganic acid, for example sulphuric acid or phosphoric acid, or an organic acid, for example a sulphonic acid or a carboxylic acid, including aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, arylaliphatic and heterocyclic carboxylic acids, including carboxylic acids such as thiocarboxylic acids and amino carboxylic acids. Preferred carboxylic acids are formic acid, acetic acid, chloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, trimethylacetic acid, diethylacetic acid, caproic acid, crotonic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, palmitic acid, undecanic acid, undecylenic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, pimelic acid, tartaric acid, maleic acid, lactic acid, carbamic acid, glycine, alkoxy carboxylic acids, hexahydrobenzoic acid, cyclopentylpropionic acids, cyclohexylacetic acid, cyclohexylbutyric acids, benzoic acid, phthalic acid, phenylacetic acid, phenylpropionic acids, furane-2-carboxylic acid, nicotinic acid and isonicotinic acid. Preferred sulphonic acids are methanesulphonic acid and toluenesulphonic acid.

Particularly preferred acyl radicals are those derived from acetic acid, trimethylacetic acid, propionic acid, .beta.-phenylpropionic acid, .alpha.-phenylpropionic acid, valeric acid and dicarboxylic acids, for example succinic acid.

It is often preferred that in R.sub.1 Q shall be an acyl group as described above, particularly the preferred carboxylic acyl groups as described above, since 21-esters have particularly good biological activity. It is often preferred that when X represents OQ, Q shall be hydrogen.

Any convenient cyclic ketals or cyclic acetals may be formed at the 16,17 or 17,21 positions but are preferably acetonides or 17,21 methylene dioxy derivatives. Suitable cyclic orthoesters that may be formed at these positions include the 17,21 methylorthoacetate, the 17,21 ethylorthopropionate, the 17,21 methylorthobenzoate and the 17,21 methylorthovalerate.

One preferred class of compounds of the invention are those wherein R.sub.3 represents H or .alpha.OQ, especially OH. Another preferred class of compounds of the invention are those wherein R.sub.3 represents .alpha. or .beta. methyl, most preferably .alpha. methyl.

It is often preferred that Y should be halogen. X can also be halogen and thus some preferred compounds of the invention have both X and Y representing halogen, usually both representing chlorine or both representing bromine. However, it is generally preferred that Y shall represent halogen and X shall represent OQ, preferably OH. Preferred values of Y are bromine and, especially, fluorine. Thus particularly preferred compounds of the invention are 9-.alpha.-halo (especially fluoro) 11-.beta.-hydroxy compounds.

It is of course already well known to make pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione compounds. It is also known to produce a few 2-bromo steroids. Further, it is well known to make 6-.alpha.-fluoro steroids. There have been some references to the production of 6-.beta.-fluoro steroids in the literature but it seems to have been generally considered in the art that 6-.beta.-fluoro steroids are inferior pharmaceutically to 6-.alpha.-fluoro steroids. The combination of 2-bromo with 6-.beta.-fluoro in pregna 1,4-diene-3,20-diones appear to be new and gives good anti-inflammatory activity with low or negligible side effects as discussed above.

The novel compounds of the invention have good anti-inflammatory activity. This activity can be exhibited upon conventional methods of administration, for example topically and systemically. Some compounds give best results topically while others give best results systemically, for instance when taken orally as is preferred. Because of the very high activity possessed by preferred compounds of the invention much lower dosages can be used than are useful with known anti-inflammatory steroids; even at conventional dosages preferred compounds of the invention have much less, and generally no, side effects compared with known anti-inflammatory steroids.

The compounds of the invention are useful for treatment of a wide variety of inflammatory conditions, for example in the treatment of inflammatory conditions of the skin, eyes and ears of humans and of valuable domestic animals, as well as contact dermatitis and other allergic reactions and also possess valuable antirheumatoid arthritic properties.

Therapeutic compositions of the invention comprise a compound of the invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid or solid carrier. Any therapeutically acceptable and effective concentration of the compound in the composition may be used. Any suitable composition may be prepared, according to the chosen manner of administration. Suitable compositions include pills, tablets, capsules, solutions, syrups or elixirs for oral use, liquid forms of the types used to make injectable compositions of the natural and synthetic cortical steroid hormones, and topical compositions, for example in the form of ointments, creams and lotions.

The compositions may also include coacting antibiotics, germicides or other materials forming advantageous combination therewith.

The local anti-inflammatory activity has been evaluated in rats by the cotton-pellet induced granuloma test, applying the compound directly to the pellet.

All the new compounds of the present invention show a remarkable anti-inflammatory activity without undesirable side effects on the thymus and on the body weight increase even at very high concentrations (40 micrograms/pellet).

The most active compounds inhibit the cotton-pellet induced granuloma at doses as low as 0.002-0.1 micrograms/pellet whereas Fluocinolone-16,17-acetonide evokes the same effect at a dose of 0.5-2 micrograms/pellet. Other compounds of the present invention are active at doses ranging from 0.1 to 2 micrograms/pellet whereas Betamethasone 17-valerate is active at a dose of 5-20 micrograms/pellet. Some other compounds of the present invention display activity at doses higher than 2 micrograms/pellet. Hydrocortisone acetate shows the same activity at about 100-200 micrograms/pellet.

The systemic anti-inflammatory activity has been evaluated in rats by the cotton-pellet induced granuloma test, giving the compounds orally for 8 days. The most active compounds show activity at doses ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg b.w. In the same experimental conditions Betamethasone (alcohol or phosphate) shows activity at doses of about 0.05-0.1 mg/kg b.w. while Hydrocortisone acetate and Methylprednisolone are active at doses ranging from 10 to 50 mg/kg b.w. Most of the compounds of the present invention have, on this test, no inhibiting action on adrenals weight and a thymolitic or body weight reducing activity lower than that displayed by the most active already known steroids.

The compounds of the invention can be made by various processes including the following:

1. Compounds where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined previously, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or .alpha. or .beta. methyl or .alpha. OQ (preferably OH), X is OQ (preferably OH) and Y is Br can be made by dissolving the corresponding 9,11-unsaturated compound in an organic solvent such as methylene chloride, tertiary butyl alcohol, dioxane, tetrahydrofurane, tertiary amyl alcohol or the like, and by reacting this at room temperature with an hypobromous acid releasing agent, which includes N-bromoacetamide, N-bromosuccinimide, 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethyl-hydantoin or the like, in the presence of an acid such as perchloric acid, diluted sulfuric acid and the like. Normally the bromination is conducted at room temperature, between fifteen and thirty degrees centigrade. The reaction period may vary from about five minutes to one hour.

At the conclusion of the desired reaction the excess hypobromous acid is destroyed by the addition of sulfites or hydrosulfites, sodium sulfite being normally employed. The resulting compound can be isolated from the reaction mixture by adding an excess of water and extracting the product with organic solvents or by recovering the precipitated compound by filtration.

2. Compounds in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or .alpha. or .beta. methyl or .alpha.OQ (preferably OH) and X and Y are both bromine or both chlorine can be made by reacting the corresponding 9,11-unsatured compound with a chlorinating or brominating agent. Suitable agents are N-chlorosuccinimide, N-bromosuccinimide, N-chlorophthalimide, N-bromoacetamide, N-chloroacetamide or the like.

The reaction is preferably conducted in an organic solvent such as lower aliphatic carboxylic acids, for example glacial acetic acid, diethylacetic acid, propionic acid or butyric acid, or in ether solvents, for example tetrahydrofurane or dioxane, or in halogen solvents for example methylene chloride or chloroform, or in a mixture of these solvents. The reaction is carried out at temperature of 0.degree. to 50.degree. C., preferably ambient temperature in the presence of halogen-anions such as chloro or bromo in the form of corresponding alkali halides, preferably potassium or lithium chloride.

3. Compounds where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above, R.sub.3 is hydrogen or .alpha. or .beta. methyl or .alpha.OQ (preferably OH), X is OQ, preferably OH, and Y is halogen (preferably F and Cl) can be made by reacting the corresponding 9,11-epoxide (for instance prepared by dehydrobromination with an alkaline carbonate solution of the 9-bromo-11-hydroxy compound prepared as described above) with hydrogen halide, namely HF or HCl. This may be generated in situ but preferably is introduced as aqueous solution. The steroid is first dissolved in an organic solvent such as tetrahydrofurane, methylene chloride and the like. The halogenation reaction is operative at room temperature but is preferably conducted at lower temperatures, such as zero to minus eighty degrees centigrade, with continuous stirring. After the reaction is completed, the mixture is poured into water and neutralized with diluted base, such as diluted sodium or potassium hydroxide, or a bicarbonate such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate or the like. The reaction mixture is then extracted in the usual manner, such as with methylene chloride, and the resulting compound is recovered in a purified form by recrystallization or chromatography.

4. Compounds in which R.sub.1, X and Y are all as defined for Formula A, and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are both OH may be made by oxidising the corresponding 16,17 unsaturated compound. Any oxidising agents known for oxidising a double bond in a steroid to produce a dihydroxy compound can be used, for example potassium permanganate. The reaction is preferably conducted in an acidic aqueous organic solution such as glacial acetic acid or formic acid in aqueous acetone at a temperature of -20.degree. to +50.degree. C. The reaction may be terminated by adding a reducing agent, such as sodium sulphite.

5. Any compound of the invention in which any or all of X, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 or R.sub.3 represent OQ where Q is H can be made by hydrolysing the corresponding compound where Q is acyl. Hydrolysis can be conducted under acidic conditions, for example in the presence of an acid such as hydrochloric acid, or under alkaline conditions, for example in the presence of an alkali such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate, in an aqueous, organic or aqueous organic solvent, for example a lower alcohol, at temperature of 0.degree. to 100.degree. C., preferably under reflux.

Acetates in 11 position usually are extremely resistant to hydrolysis.

6. Any compound of the invention in which one or more of X, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 represents OQ where Q is an acyl radical can be made by esterifying the corresponding compound in which Q represents hydrogen. Esterification can be conducted by reaction with the appropriate acid halide or acid anhydride in pyridine or other suitable organic solvent, preferably a basic solvent. The reaction is best conducted in organic solvent at temperatures of 0.degree. to 100.degree. C. preferably under reflux. This process is best carried out on the 16 or 21 positions, the hydroxy group in the 11 an 17 positions usually remaining unchanged during the reaction. The 17 and 11 positions require acid anhydrides with mineral acids as catalyst.

The 17 monoesters are prepared by a mineral or organic acid hydrolysis of cyclic 17,21-alkyl orthoesters. The cyclic 17,21-alkyl orthoesters are prepared from the corresponding 17,21-dihydroxy by exchange reaction with trimethyl orthoesters in the presence of an acid catalyst. The orthoesterification steps is carried out at temperature ranging from 60.degree. to 130.degree. C. and preferably around 100.degree.-110.degree. C. for a period of 4-24 hours. The orthoesters thus obtained are then hydrolized with a mineral or organic acid to give the 17-monoesters.

The cyclic 16,17-alkyl orthoesters are also prepared from the corresponding diols with trimethylorthoesters in the presence of an acid catalyst. The orthoesterification step is carried out at temperature ranging from 20.degree. to 30.degree. C. for a period of 1-2 hours.

7. Compounds of the invention in which OQ in the 16 and 17 positions or in the 17 and 21 positions represent a cyclic acetal or a cyclic ketal can be made by treating a suspension or solution of the corresponding diols in the desired aldehyde or ketone (or an organic solvent, if the aldehyde or ketone is a solid) with an acid catalyst (e.g., perchloric acid, p-toluene sulfonic acid and hydrochloric acid), neutralizing the acid and recovering the cyclic acetal or ketal derivative formed.

The reaction is preferably carried out a temperature within the range from about 15.degree. to 60.degree. C. It is usually completed within a period from about one hour to eighteen hours.

The 17,21-cyclic acetals and ketals are prepared by an acid catalyzed interchange reaction between the corresponding diols and lower alkyl acetals of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or arylaliphatic aldehydes or ketones.

The reaction is best conducted in organic solvent at temperatures from 20.degree. to 100.degree. C. preferably under reflux.

The 16,17 unsaturated compound described above as the starting material for the production of the 16,17 dihydroxy compound may be made by dehydration of the corresponding 17-hydroxy compound in which R.sub.3 is H so that all the processes described above can be considered to start from the 9,11-unsaturated compound wherein R.sub.3 is hydrogen or methyl. We show in FIG. 1 a suitable reaction scheme for making these compounds having Formula VIII, starting from the known compound I. ##STR2##

A suitable way of carrying out the reaction scheme in FIG. 1 is now described. In this the known starting material 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (I) or its known 16.alpha. or 16.beta. methyl analogue, is first ketalized to produce the 3-ketal (II). Ethylene glycol, in the presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid or pyridine hydrochloride, is the preferred ketalizing agent. Formation of the ketal is accompanied by migration of the double bound from the 4,5 to the 5,6 position.

The epoxidation of the 5(6) double bound of the compound II with a peracid (perbenzoic or mono perphthalic acid or other known epoxidizing agents) produces the corresponding 5.alpha.,6.beta.-epoxide (III). A mixture of both the .alpha. and .beta. epoxides is produced in this epoxidation reaction, and the mixture can be separated by crystallization. The .alpha.-epoxide III is employed in the next step, which is an epoxide opening reaction in which the 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-6.alpha.,6.alpha.-oxi do-pregnane-20-one-21-acetate (III) is reacted with hydrofluoric acid to produce the corresponding 6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20- dione-21-acetate (IV).

The buffered bromination of the compound IV stops to the 2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy -pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (V).

Addition of methanesulphonyl chloride to the compound V produces the 2.alpha.,-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydrox y-pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-21-acetate (VI).

Treatment of the mesylate VI with acetic anhydride and perchloric acid produces the 2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy -pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-5,17,21-triacetate (VII), which is converted, by bromination in acetic acid containing potassium or sodium acetate as the base, into 2,2-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3 ,20-dione-11-mesylate-17,21-diacetate (VII bis).

The combination of certain metal halides, particularly lithium chloride and bromide in hot dimethylformamide, is particularly effective in dehydrobromination of compound VII bis to the corresponding triene VIII, 2-bromo-6.beta.-l -fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,9(11)-triene-3,20-dione-17,21-di acetate. Other amide solvents, such as dimethyl-acetamide and N-formylpiperidine can be used in place of dimethylformamide. A modification involves the use of an excess of lithium carbonate in dimethylformamide.

A particularly important step in this scheme is the formation of the compound of formula V. Accordingly a further feature of the invention resides in the bromination of compounds of formula IV, as well as the 11 and/or 17 caters and/or 21 hydroxy derivatives to produce the corresponding 2.alpha. bromo compounds. The introduction of the 2.alpha. bromo compound at this stage appars to fix the configuration of the 6.beta.-fluoro group so that it is stable during the subsequent reactions in the steroid molecule.

Compounds of formula V, as well as the 11 and/or 17 caters and/or 21 hydroxy analogues are novel compounds, as also are compounds of each of formulae II to VIII inclusive.

Convenient ways of carrying out the processes 1 to 7 listed above are shown in the reaction scheme in FIG. II ##STR3##

The reaction of the compound VIII with hydrobromous acid produces the corresponding 9.alpha.-bromo comound IX. When this 9.alpha.-bromo compound is reacted with potassium carbonate the 9.beta.,11.beta.-oxide compound X is obtained. Reaction of the latter compound with hydrofluoric acid affords 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy -pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) which upon hydrolysis is converted into the corresponding free alcohol XIa, (XI, N.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH). In similar manner reaction of compound X with hydrochloric acid yields the 11-hydroxy-9.alpha.-chloro analogue. This reaction with the hydrochloric acid is particularly convenient when R.sub.3 represents methyl.

The fluorine atom at the 6.beta.-position of the compound XI (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) is considered to be in the stable configuration on the basis of the following observation.

Attempts to isomerize 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) with dry hydrochloric acid in chloroform at 0.degree. C. for 2 hrs. do not alter the optical rotatory dispersion curve of the crude product. Recrystallization affords pure product identical in all aspectes to the starting sample XI (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3).

Reaction of compound X with hydrochloric acid affords 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.-chloro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pr egna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-1/,21-diacetate (XIII).

The triene VIII is reacted with N-chlorosuccinimide to obtain the 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-p regna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XII, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) which upon hydrolysis is converted into the corresponding free alcohol XIIa (XII, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH).

Similarly, the triene VIII can be reacted with N-bromo succinimide to produce the corresponding 9.alpha.,13.beta. dibromo compound XII, especially when R.sub.3 represents methyl.

When the compound XI (where R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3 and R.sub.3 =H) is reacted with potassium acetate in hot dimethylformamide the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,21-dihydroxypregna-1,4,16-trien e-21-acetate (XI bis, R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3)is obtained. The compound XI bis (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3) is then oxidized with potassium permanganate to produce the corresponding 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XVII, R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3) which upon hydrolysis is converted into the corresponding free alcohol XVIIa (XVII, R.sub.1 =OH).

Esterification of the hydroxyl function at the 21-position is conveniently effected with a lower fatty acid anhydride, such as acetic anhydride, or preferably with a lower aliphatic acid chloride such as acetic acid chloride in presence of pyridine, which simultaneously serves as solvent.

The 17.alpha.-esters are prepared by treatment of the corresonding 17.alpha.,21 diols with a lower alkyl orthoesters in the presence of an acid catalyst followed by acid hydrolysis of the resulting 17.alpha.,21-orthoester (a mixture of two epimeric orthoesters).

The esterification of the hydroxyl function at the 21-position can also be achieved by trans-esterification of the corresponding 17.alpha.-esters.

Treatment of the corresponding 17.alpha.,21-diols with 2,2-dimethoxy-propane in presence of p-toluenesulfonic acid produces the 17,21-acetonides.

Treatment of the compounds XVII with acetone and perchloric acid produces the 16,17-acetonides XVIII.

The esterification of the hydroxyl function at the 16-position of the compounds XVII is effected with a lower fatty acid anhydride in presence of pyridine which simultaneously serves as solvent.

We list below particularly preferred compounds of the invention and for convenience here and in the Examples denote after the compounds a number corresponding to the number of the formula in the figures. In view of the large number of subscripts necessary for formula XI we use two systems of nomenclature. The compounds in which R.sub.3 is hydrogen or hydroxy are numbered by reference to the formulae numbering appearing in FIGS. 1 and 2. The compound in which R.sub.3 is .alpha. or .beta. methyl have a different system of numbering in which 10 corresponds to formula IX, 11 corresponds to formula X and 12 corresponds to formulae XI, XII and XIII.

2,9.alpha.-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (IX)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-acetonide (XIb)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XIc)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-propionate (XId)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-valerate (XIe)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-pivalate (XIf)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-terbutylacetate (XIg)

2-bromo-6.beta., 9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-d ione-21-enantate (XIh)

2-bromo-.beta., 9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-d ione-21-benzoate (XIi)

2-bromo-6.beta., 9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta., 17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate (XIl)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate-21-acetate (XIm)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (XIn)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate-21-valerate (XIo) 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-propionate (XIp)

2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha., 21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-benzoate (XIq)

2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha., 11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-diene-17,21 -diacetate (XII)

2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha., 11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha., 21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIIa)

2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pr egna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-7-acetate (XIIb)

2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pr egna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XIIc) 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate (12 s)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 t)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 u)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha. ,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 v)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21 -acetonide (12 w)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-acetonide (12 z)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-valerate (12 aa)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-valerate (12 ab)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-pivalate (12 ac)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydoxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-diene-21-pivalate (12 ad)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-benzoate (12 ae)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-benzoate (12 af)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-propionate (12 ag)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta., 9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-d ione-17-benzoate (12 ah)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha. ,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12f)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20 -dione (12 i)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha. ,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-diene (12 j)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (12 k)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (12 l)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-propionate (12 m)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-propionate (12 n)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (12 o)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha. ,21-dihydroxy-prena-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (12 p)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta., 17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate (12 q)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 r)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate (12 s)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 z)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 u)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha. ,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 v)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-acetonide (12 w)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-acetonide (12 z)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-valerate (12 aa)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-diene-21-valerate (12 ab)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-pivalate (12 ac)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-pivalate (12 ad)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-benzoate (12 ae)

16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-benzoate (12 af)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-propionate (12 ag)

16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-benzoate (12 ah)

Compounds particularly preferred for topical administration are XI and XId, e, f, i, m, p and q, and compounds 12 k, i and o. Compounds that are particularly suitable for systemic administration, and also for topical and systemic administration, are XIa, c and e and XIX and 12 g and k, and XIn is also very useful for systemic administration.

The following are some Examples of the invention:

Example 1

A mixture of 8 g. of 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (I), 200 ml. of benzene, 80 ml. of ethylene glycol and 4.8 g. of pyridine hydrochloride was refluxed under stirring for 8 hr. in a water separator. After reaction was completed 200 ml. of 5% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution were added. The mixture was further concentrated until crystals appeared and then poured into cold water. The resulting precipitate was removed by filtration, washed neutral with water and dried.

Crystallization of the residue from chloroform and ethyl ether gave 6 g. of 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-pregn-5-ene-20-one-21 -acetate (II).

IR(KBr) 3565, 3540, 3450 (broad), 1755, 1730, 1220 cm.sup.-1

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.36 O.sub.7 (percent) C 66.94; H8.09. Found (percent) C 67.07; H 8.15.

Example 2

A solution of permonophthalic acid (8 g.) in ether (60 ml.) was added over 1.5 hr. to a solution of 6 g. of 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-pregn-5-ene-20-one-21 -acetate (II) in chloroform (200 ml.) at -30.degree. C. After keeping at -30.degree. C. for 3 hrs. the organic phase was washed acid free with 5% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution. The solution was then washed with water, dried and evaporated to a residue which by crystallization from methanol gave 4.5 g. of 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-5.alpha.,6.alpha.-oxi do-pregnane-20-one-21-acetate (III).

IR(KBr) 3585, 3540, 3485 (broad), 1760, 1732, 1230 cm.sup.-1

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.36 O.sub.8 (percent) C 64.63; H 7.81 Found (percent) C 64.78; H 7.82.

Example 3

4.5 g. of 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-5.alpha.,6.alpha.-oxi do-pregnane-20-one-21-acetate (III) were added over a period of about 1.5 hr. under stirring to 45 ml. of a cooled (-65.degree. C.) 70% hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution. After addition was completed the solution was stirred for 0.5 hr. at -60.degree. C. and then poured into water (650 ml). The solid was dissolved in ethyl acetate (400 ml.), the solution was washed with sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution until it was acid free and then washed neutral with water and finally dried over sodium sulphate. Removal of the solvent afforded a crude product M.P. 198.degree.-201.degree. C.

One crystallization from acetone-light petroleum afforded 3 g. of 6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20- dione-21-acetate (IV) M.P. 205.degree.-7.degree. C.

[.alpha.].sub.D +36.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 290 m.mu. (.epsilon. 104)

IR(KBr) 3640, 3440 (broad), 1745, 1730, 1705, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.33 FO.sub.7 (percent) C 62.71; H 7.55; F 4.31. Found (percent) C 62.83; H 7.52; F 4.45.

When the crude product was purified by column chromatography on FLORISIL (Registered Trade Mark) (ratio 1:50) with chloroform-methanol (99:1) as eluant, the 6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20- dione-21-acetate (IV) was characterized by M.P. 223.degree.-4.degree. C.

.lambda.max (methanol) 290 m.mu. (.epsilon. 97)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +51.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

Example 4

A mixture of 2 g. of sodium acetate and 10 g. of 6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20- dione-21-acetate (IV) dissolved in 100 ml. of dioxane was stirred at 25.degree.-30.degree. C. while a solution of 4 g. of bromine in 50 ml. of dioxane was added dropwise over a period of about 2-3 min. After addition of bromine was completed the mixture of reaction was poured into 1500 ml. of a cold 5% sodium chloride aqueous solution.

After stirring for 1 hour, 8.5 g. of a white crystalline product was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried.

Crystallization from acetone-methanol-chloroform (1:10:20) gave about 6 g. of 2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy -pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (V) characterized by M.P. 139.degree.-140.degree. C. (decomposition).

[.alpha.].sub.D +49.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 288 m.mu. (.epsilon. 124)

IR(KBr) 3530, 3430, 3250 (broad), 1760, 1720, 1220 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.32 BrFO.sub.7 (percent) C 53.18; H 6.20; Br 15.38; F 3.65. Found (percent) C 52.93; H 6.36; Br 15.59; F 3.44.

Example 5

A solution of 10 g. of 2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy -pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (V) in 50 ml. of pyridine was stirred at -5.degree. C. while dropwise adding 8 g. of methane sulfonylchloride over a period of about 15 min. After addition was completed the mixture was stirred for 1.5 hr. maintaining the temperature at about 0.degree. C., then poured into 400 ml. of cold water and 200 ml. of dichloroethane. The mixture was acidified at pH 3.5 with an 4N sulphuric acid solution and stirred for 1 hr. The product was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried giving 9 g. of 2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy -pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-21-acetate (VI). Crystallization from benzene gave a white solid characterized by

M.P. 122.degree.-3.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D +47.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (ethanol) 238 m.mu. (.epsilon. 119)

IR(KBr) 3560, 3520 (broad), 1730 (broad) 1330, 1230, 1170 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.34 BrFO.sub.9 S (percent) C 48.24; H 5.73; Br 13.37; F 3.17; S 5.36. Found (percent) C 48.44; H 5.60; Br 13.52; F 3.06; S 5.45.

Example 6

10 g. of 2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy -pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-21-acetate (VI) were added to a solution of 75 ml. of acetic anhydride and 0.5 ml. of 70% perchloric acid in 450 ml. of ethyl acetate.

The mixture was kept at 30.degree. C. for 0.5 hr. and washed successively with 5% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution. The ethyl acetate solution after anhydrification on sodium sulphate was evaporated to dryness under vacuum.

Crystallization of the residue from methanol gave about 9 g. of 2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy -pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-5,17,21-triacetate (VII) characterized by

M.P. 131.degree.-2.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -11.7.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 285 m.mu. (.epsilon. 104)

IR(KBr) 1740 (broad), 1370, 1230 (broad), 1170 cm.sup.-1

NRM (CDCl.sub.3 -TMS) Hz at 60 MHz 355, 307 (doublet of triplets, 1,C-6 H) 304-290 m, 2, C-2H and C-11 H) 300, 284, 278, 262 (doublet of doublets, 2, --CH.sub.2 OAc) 224, 210 (J, 1, C-4 H.alpha.) 184 (S, 3, OSO.sub.2 CH.sub.3) 124 (S, o, 2OAc) 120 (S, 3, OAc) 94,90 (d, 3, 19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 48 (S, 3, 18 CH.sub.3)

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.38 BrFO.sub.11 S (percent) C 49.34; H 5.62; Br 11.72; F 2.79; S 4.70 Found (percent) C 49.13; H 5.43; Br 12.03; F 2.65; S 4.57.

Example 7

6.8 g. of 2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy -pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-5,17,21-triacetate (VII) were dissolved in 330 ml. of anhydrous acetic acid at 90.degree. C. on the steam-bath. A solution of sodium acetate (15.3 g. dried at 100.degree. C.) in acetic acid (60 ml.) at 90.degree. C. was added, followed immediately by 1.75 g. of bromine in acetic acid (25 ml.), added in one lot. Heating at 90.degree. C. was continued until the bromine colour disappeared (about 3 min. in all). The solution was then cooled as rapidly as possible to room temperature and poured in cold water. The solid was collected by filtration, washed thoroughly with water and dried to a constant weight, giving about 6.5 g. of VIIbis (2,2-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene- 3,20-dione-11-mesylate-17,21-diacetate). Crystallization from methanol gave a white solid characterized by

M.P. 140.degree.-2.degree. C. (decomposition)

.lambda.max (methanol) 242-3 m.mu. (.epsilon. 10000)

IR(KBr) 1745, 1730, 1697, 1625, 1340, 1230, 1170 cm.sup.-1

[.alpha.].sub.D -18 (C 1.0 in chloroform)

NMR (CDCl.sub.3 -TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 362,358 (d, 1, C-4H) 328,278 (doublet of triplets, 1, C-6 H) 320-290 (m, 1, C-11 H) 302,286,280,264 (doublet of doublets, 2, --CH.sub.2 OAc) 228,212,204,188 (doublet of doublets, 2, C-1 H.sub..alpha. and H.sub..beta.) 190 (S, 3,--OSO.sub.2 CH.sub.3) 130 (S, 3, OAc) 128 (S, 3, OAc) 108,104 (d, 3, 19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 52 (S, 3, 18 CH.sub.3)

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.33 Br.sub.2 FO.sub.9 S (percent) C 44.58; H 4.75; Br 22.82; F 2.71; S 4.58. Found (percent) C 44.63; H 4.81; Br 22.69; F 2.84; S 4.38.

Example 8

7 g. of 2,2-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3 ,20-dione-11-mesylate-17,21-diacetate (VII bis) were added, in one portion, to a mixture of 70 ml. of dimethylformamide, 14 g. of lithium carbonate and 7 g. of lithium bromide under stirring at 100.degree. C. The reaction mixture was then refluxed at 130.degree. C. under nitrogen for 0.5 hr., cooled and poured into cold water. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried.

Crystallization of the residue from acetone gave 4.8 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,9(11)-triene-3,20 -dione-17,21-diacetate (VIII) characterized by M.P. 270.degree.-1.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -88,5.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246-7 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12750)

IR(KBr) 1740 (broad), 1675, 1645, 1600, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (CDCl.sub.3 - TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 452 (S, 1, C-1 H) 376,372 (d, 1, C-4 H) 342-332 (m, 1, C-11 H) 334,286 (doublet of triplets, 1, C-6 H) 302,284,280,262 (doublet of doublets, 2, CH.sub.2 OAc) 130 (S, 3, OAc) 123 (S, 3, OAc) 94,92 (d, 3, 19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 45 (S, 3, 18 CH.sub.3).

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.25 BrFO.sub.6 (percent) C 57.37; H 5.39; Br 15.27; F 3.63. Found (percent) C 57.53; H 5.61; Br 15.03; F 3.71.

Example 9

7.1 g. of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethyl-hydantoin were added in the dark at room temperature under stirring over a period of 0.5 hr. to a suspension of 10 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,9(11)-triene-3,20 -dione-17,21-diacetate (VIII) in 200 ml. of tetrahydrofurane and 1 g. of 70% perchloric acid in 10 ml. of water. During the addition the suspension began to thin and after a total reaction time of 45 min. all the starting material was dissolved. After an additional 2 hrs., 10% sodium sulfite aqueous solution was added under stirring until KJ-starch paper was no longer blued. The solution was slowly poured into 1000 ml. cold water. The product (IX) was filtered and utilized moist in the next reaction. Analytically pure 2,9.alpha.-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (IX) was obtained by additional crystallization from acetone-hexane. It was dried in vacuo at room temperature M.P. 208.degree.-10.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -18,2.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 248 m.mu. (.epsilon. 10250)

IR(KBr) 3520, 1755, 1740, 1710, 1675, 1640, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.29 Br.sub.2 FO.sub.7 (percent) C 48.41; H 4.71; Br 25.70; F 3.06 Found (percent) C 48.74; H 4.65; Br 25.60; F 3.31.

Example 10

40 ml. of a 14% potassium carbonate aqueous solution were added over a period of 20 min. at 20.degree. C. under stirring to the solution of the moist product (IX) 2,9.alpha.-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (obtained in Example 9 from 10 g. of the product VIII) in 200 ml. of acetone. The solution was stirred for 4 hr. Ice water was added understirring, upon which crystallizaton occurs rapidly. The product 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11.beta.-oxido-pregn a-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (X) was filtered, washed with water, dried and characterized by M.P. 241.degree.-2.degree. C. (decomposition), raised by crystallization from benzene-cyclohexane to 248.degree.-9.degree. C.

[.alpha.].sub.D -88.4.degree. (C 0.5 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 1755, 1740 (broad), 1670, 1640, 1600, 1230 (broad) cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.28 BrFO.sub.7 (percent) C 55.67; H 5.23; Br 14.81; F 3.52. Found (percent) C 55.80; H 5.15; Br 14.72; F 3.45.

Example 11

100 ml. of a 70% hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution were cooled to -10.degree. C. in a polyethylene flask equipped with electromagnetic stirrer. 10 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11.beta.-oxido-pregn a-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (X) were added under stirring during 15 min. After 0.5 hr. the reaction mixture was precipitated in water and ammonia. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to a constant weight, giving about 9.5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3).

Crystallization from benzene gave 7 g. of pure product, homogeneous by TLC on silica gel (6:3:2 CHCl.sub.3 -acetone-cyclohexane).

M.P. 290.degree.-2.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -36.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12500)

IR(KBr) 3520, 1758, 1733, 1705, 1680, 1650, 1610, 1235 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (dimethyl-d.sub.6 sulfoxide-TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 471 (S,1,C-1 H) 393,389 (d,1,C-4H) 350,300 (doublet of triplets,1,C-6H) 341,335 (d,1,C-110H) 289 (S,2,CH.sub.2 OAc)270-240(m,1,C-11H) 127 (S,3,OAc) 122 (S,3,OAc) 99.96 (d,3, 19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 56 (S,3, 18 CH.sub.3).

M.S. (70 e.v., ion source temperature 210.degree. C., direct sample introduction) ions at m/e 558/560 (M+, C.sub.25 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.7), 540/542, 538/540, 518/520, 498/500, 483/485, 478/480, 458/460, 397/399, 377/379, 359/361, 357/359, 339/341, 317/319, 315/317, 299/301, 278, 217/219, 212/214, 199/201, 165, 147, 139, 121, 109, 101, 91, 79, 73 (base peak), 69, 60, 55.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.7 (percent) C 53.67; H 5.22; F 6.79; Br 14.28. Found (percent) C 53.27; H 5.22; F 6.80; Br 14.32.

Example 12

A suspension of 10 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) in 200 ml. of 1% potassium hydroxide methanolic solution was stirred under nitrogen at 0.degree. C. for 3 hrs.

Addition of cold water, elimination of methanol in vacuo, acidification with acetic acid and filtration gave 7 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI;R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH).

M.P. 223.degree.-227.degree. C. (decomposition), raised by crystallization from dichloroethane to 228.degree.-230.degree. C.

[.alpha.].sub.D -5.6.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11700)

IR(KBr) 3430 (broad), 1715, 1670, 1645, 1600 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (dimethyl-d.sub.6 sulfoxide-TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 470(S,1,C-1H) 392,388 (d,1,C-4H) 348,298 (doublet of triplets,1,C-6H) 327,322(d,1,C-11 OH)316 (S,1,C-17OH) 280,276,270,266,261,257,250,246(octuplet which becomes a quartet bu deuterium exchange,2,COCH.sub.2 OH) 99,96(d,3,19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 48 (S,3,18 CH.sub.3).

M.S. (70 e.v., ion source temperature 210.degree. C., direct sample introduction) ions at m/e 474/476 (M+, C.sub.21 H.sub.25 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.5) 456/458, 444/446, 427/429, 414/416, 394/396, 379/381, 359/361, 317/319, 315/317, 219/221, 217/219 (base peak), 212/214, 199/201, 139, 109, 95, 67, 55.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.21 H.sub.25 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.5 (percent) C 53.06; H 5.30; Br 16.81; F 7.99 Found (percent) C 53.15; H 5.30; Br 16.73; F 8.05.

Example 13

To a solution of 10 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,9(11)-triene-3,20 -dione-17,21-diacetate (VIII) and 40 g. lithium chloride in 200 ml. of glacial acetic acid were added at 20.degree. C. under stirring 5 g. of N-chlorosuccinimide. The mixture was kept at 20.degree. C. and stirred while dropwise adding 10 ml. of a 12% hydrochloric acid tetrahydrofurane solution over a period of about 10 min. After 3.5 hrs. the reaction mixture was poured into cold water, the solid collected by filtration, washed with water and dried, giving 6 g. of pure product 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-p regna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate

(XII) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3). M.P. 244.degree.-6.degree. C. (decomp.) [.alpha.].sub.D -2.5.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 1753, 1740, 1672, 1645, 1602, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (dimethyl-d.sub.6 sulfoxide-TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 465 (S,1,C-1H) 394,390 (d,1,C-4H) 350,300 (doublet of triplets, 1,C-6H) 320-305 (m,1,C-11H) 289 (S,2,CH.sub.2 OAc) 127 (S,3,OAc) 122 (S,3,OAc) 110, 106 (d,3, 19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 61 (S,3, 18 CH.sub.3).

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.28 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.6 (percent) C 50.27; H 4.72; F 3.18; Cl 11.87; Br 13.38. Found (percent) C 50.55; H 4.81; F 3.25; Cl 12.05; Br 13.67.

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12280)

Example 14

Using the general procedure of Example 12 the 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-p regna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XII) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-p regna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione XIIa (XII, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH)

M.P. 185.degree.-7.degree. C. (decomposition)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245 (.epsilon. 12000)

[.alpha.].sub.D +34.degree. (C 0.7 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3450 (broad), 1715, 1675, 1645, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.21 H.sub.24 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.4 (percent) C 49.43; H 4.74; F 3.72; Cl 13.90; Br 15.66. Found (percent) C 49.78; F 3.70; Cl 14.07; Br 15.75; H 4.76.

Example 15

A mixture of 7 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate(XI) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3), 70 ml. of dimethylformamide and 3.5 g. of anhydrous potassium acetate was refluxed at 120.degree. C. under nitrogen for 0.5 hr. The reaction mixture was then cooled and poured into cold water. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water, dried.

Crystallization of the residue from acetone-hexane gave 5 g. of 2-bromo-0.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,16-trie ne-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XIbis) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3) characterized by M.P. 257.degree.-8.degree. C. (decomposition).

[.alpha.].sub.D +24.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3520, 1730, 1680, 1640, 1600, 1588, 1220 cm.sup.-1.

.lambda.max (methanol 242-3 m.mu. (.epsilon. 21500)

Analysis Calcd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.25 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.5 (percent) C 55.32; H 5.04; Br 16.00; F 7.61. Found (percent) C 55.21; H 4.89; Br 16.25; F 7.49.

Example 16

A solution of potassium permanganate (3.5 g.) in acetone (75 ml.) and water (25 ml.) was added, in one portion, at -5.degree. C. to a solution of 5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,16-trie ne-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XIbis) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3) in acetone (150 ml.) and formic acid (1.7 ml.).

The mixture of reaction was stirred for 5 min. at -5.degree. C. and then 50 ml. of 10% Na.sub.2 SO.sub.3 aqueous solution were added. The mixture was filtered through Celite (Trade Mark) and the pale yellow filtrate concentrated in vacuo and poured into cold water.

The solid filtered after crystallization from acetone-hexane yielded 4.5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XVII) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3) characterized by M.P. 225.degree.-7.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -16.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12000)

IR(KBr) 3440 (broad), 1745, 1732, 1672, 1645, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1. NMR (Jimethyl-d.sub.6 sulfoxide-TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 472 (S,1,C-1H) 392,388 (d,1,C-4H) 348,298 (doublet of triplets,1,C-6H) 337,332 (d,1,C-11 OH) 328,323 (d,1,C-16 OH) 312,296,292,276(doublet and doublets, 2,CH.sub.2 OAc) 290 (S,1,C-17 OH) 290-280 (m,1,C-16 H) 265-240 (m,1,-11 H) 126 (S,3,OAc) 98,95 (d,3,19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 52 (S3,18 CH.sub.3).

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.27 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.7 (percent) C 51.79; H 5.10; F 7.12; B 14.98. Found (percent) C 52.05; H 5.02; F 7.25; Br 16.18.

Example 17

Using the general procedure of Example 12 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XVII) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XVIIa) (XVII R.sub.1 =OH). M.P. 208.degree.-10.degree. C. (decomposition)

IR(KBr) 3460 (broad), 1715, 1670, 1645, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.21 H.sub.25 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 51.33; H 5.13; Br 16.26; F 7.37. Found (percent) C 51.51; H 5.10; Br 16.15; F 7.81.

[.alpha.].sub.D -30.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246-7 m .mu. (.epsilon. 11400)

Example 18

A solution of 5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) in 10 ml. of dimethylformamide and 37 ml. of 2,2-dimethoxypropane with 0.025 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid was heated for 6 hrs. at 115.degree. C.

The reaction mixture was cooled, poured in 10% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution and chloroform. The chloroform solution was then washed with water, dried and evaporated to a residue which by crystallization from acetone gave 4 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-acetonide (XIb) characterized by M.P. 230.degree.-1.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -1.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 (.epsilon. 12100)

IR(KBr) 3440 (broad), 1720, 1670, 1645, 1600 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.5 (percent) C 55.93; H 5.67; Br 15.50; F 7.37. Found (percent) C 56.07; H 5.72; Br 15.37; F 7.50.

Example 19

2.5 ml. of 70% perchloric acid were added under stirring at 15.degree. C. to a suspension of 10 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XVII) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3) in 400 ml. of acetone. The solution was stirred at 15.degree. C. for 50 min. and 5 g. of sodium bicarbonate were added.

The mixture was stirred for 10 min. and then filtered. The acetone solution was evaporated to dryness in vacuo at 60.degree. C. The solid residue was crystallized from ethylacetate-light petroleum giving 6 g. of pure 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate-16,17-acetonide (XIX) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.4 =R.sub.5 =CH.sub.3) IR(KBr) 3560,3480,3430,1755,1730,1670,1645,1600,1225 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.7 (percent) C 54.46; H 5.45; Br 13.93; F 6.62. Found (percent) C 54.65; H 5.57; Br 13.85; F 6.47.

[.alpha.].sub.D +8.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11550)

Example 20

5 ml. of acetic anhydride were dropwise added to a mixture of 50 ml. of pyridine and 10 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XVII) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3). The mixture was kept at room temperature for 1.5 hr. and then poured under vigorous stirring into 500 ml. of cold water. After about 0.5 hr. the solid was collected by filtration, washed thoroughly with cold water, dried to a constant weight, giving about 9.5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-16,21-diacetate (XVII) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.3 =OCOCH.sub.3), crystallized by methanol-water. IR(KBr) 3570,3500 (broad), 1760,1735 (broad) 1670,1645,1605,1240 (broad) cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.8 (percent) C 52.18; H 5.08; Br 13.89; F 6.60. Found (percent) C 52.07; H 5.10; Br 14.07; F 6.70.

M.P. 238.degree.-40.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -49.4.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11900)

Example 21

5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) were dissolved in 50 ml. of pyrid ine containing 25 ml. of acetic anhydride and kept at room temperature for 12 hrs. Addition of ice water afforded a product which was extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution was washed with water, 2N HCl, 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and water. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and removal of the solvent in vacuo the residue was crystallized from acetone-hexane to gave 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-21-acetate (XIc) (XI,R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH) characterized by M.P. 194.degree.-6.degree. C. (decomposition).

[.alpha.].sub.D +12.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11800)

IR(CHCl.sub.3) 3620, 3500 (broad), 1745, 1730, 1672, 1645, 1605, 1230 (broad) cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.27 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 53.39; H 5.26; Br 15.44; F 7.34. Found (percent) C 53.51; H 5.21; Br 15.70; F 7.28.

Example 22

Using the general procedure of Example 21, the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-propionate (XId) (XI,R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH) by reaction with propionic anhydride.

M.P. 180.degree.-3.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D +22.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 10900)

IR(CHCl.sub.3) 3610, 3500 (broad), 1740, 1728, 1672, 1645, 1605, 1220 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 54.25; H 5.50; Br 15.04; F 7.15. Found (percent) C 54.09; H 5.60; Br 14.92; F 7.05.

Example 23

Using the general procedure of Example 21, the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-valerate (XIe) (XI,R.sub.1 =OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH) by reaction with valeric anhydride.

M.P. 155.degree.-7.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D +27.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11600)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1740, 1720, 1670, 1640, 1600, 1230 (broad) cm.sup.-.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.33 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 55.82; H 5.94; Br 14.28; F 6.79. Found (percent) C 55.70; H 5.91; Br 14.35; F 6.87.

Example 24

Using the general procedure of Example 21, the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-pivalate (XIf) (XI,R.sub.1 =OCOC(CH.sub.3).sub.3,R.sub.2 =OH) by reaction with pivalic anhydride.

M.P. 224.degree.-6.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D +22.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 10900)

IR(KBr) 3470 (broad), 1740, 1730, 1665, 1640, 1600, 1220 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.33 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 55.82; H 5.94; Br 14.28; F 6.79. Found (percent) C 55.75; H 5.88; Br 14.07; F 6.65.

Example 25

3 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) were dissolved in 30 ml. of pyridine containing 1 ml. of terbutylacetic acid chloride and kept at room temperature for 16 hours.

Addition of ice water afforded a product which was extraced with chloroform. The chloroform solution was washed with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and water. After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and removal of the solvent in vacuo, the residue was crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-terbutylacetate XIg) (XI,R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).sub.3,R.sub.2 =OH).

M.P. 198.degree.-200.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D +25.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 10900)

IR(KBr) 3490 (broad), 1735 (broad), 1670, 1640, 1600, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.35 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 56.55; H 6.15; Br 13.93; F 6.62. Found (percent) C 56.71; H 6.02; Br 18.85; F 6.75.

Example 26

Using the general procedure of Example 25 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-enantate (XIh) (XI,R.sub.1 =OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.5 CH.sub.3,R.sub.2 =OH) by reaction with enanthic acid chloride.

M.P. 173.degree.-5.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D +28.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11500)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1735 (broad), 1670, 1640, 1600, 1230 (broad) cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.37 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 57.24; H 6.35; Br 13.60; F 6.47. Found (percent) C 57.31; H 6.30; Br 13.72; F 6.29.

Example 27

Using the general procedure of Example 21 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-benzoate (XIi) (XI,R.sub.1 =OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5,R.sub.2 =OH) by reaction with benzoic anhydride.

M.P. 209.degree.-10.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D +93.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 233-4 m.mu. (.epsilon. 22000)

IR(KBr) 3600, 3420 (broad), 1725, 1710, 1670, 1640, 1600 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 58.04; H 5.04; Br 13.79; F 6.56. Found (percent) C 58.21; H 4.93; Br 13.68; F 6.39.

Example 28

A mixture of 5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa) (XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH), 5 ml. of methylorthovalerate and 0.020 g. of p-toluene sulfonic acid in 15 ml. of dimethylformamide was maintained for 4 hrs. under nitrogen at 115.degree. C.

Then the mixture was neutralized by pyridine and concentrated under vacuum to dryness. Purification by column chromatography on FLORISIL (Registered Trade Mark) (ratio 1:30) with benzene-chloroform (8:2) as eluent, gave 3.5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-(1'-methoxy)-n-pentylidenedioxy, which without further purification was suspended in 25 ml. of methanol and 3 ml. 1N hydrochloric acid aqueous solution, heated on water bath at 40.degree.-50.degree. C.

After complete solubilization of the product, the mixture was concentrated under vacuum.

The insoluble product was filtered off, washed with water and then dried. The 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate (XI1) (XI,R.sub.1 =OH,R.sub.2 =OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3) thus obtained was crystallized from acetone-hexane and characterized by

M.P. 201.degree.-3.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -74.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12600)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1730, 1715, 1670, 1645, 1600 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.33 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 55.82; H 5.94; Br 14.28; F 6.79. Found (percent) C 55.91; H 6.07; Br 14.27; F 6.72.

Example 29

Using the general procedure of Example 21 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate (XI 1) (XI,R.sub.1 =OH,R.sub.2 =OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate-21-acetate (XI m) (XI,R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3,R.sub.2 =O(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3) by reaction with acetic anhydride. The product was crystallized from acetone-hexane. The crystals showed at 125.degree. C. a transaction from the low melting form II to the form I melting 173.degree.-5.degree. C. (decomposition).

[.alpha.].sub.D -25.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11400)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1735 (broad), 1672, 1645, 1230 (broad) cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.35 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.7 (percent) C 55.91; H 5.86; Br 13.28; F 6.32. Found (percent) C 56.03; H 5.91; Br 13.07; F 6.28.

Example 30

Using the general procedure of Example 28 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa)(XI, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydoxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (XI n) (XI,R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) by reaction with ethylorthoacetate followed by acid hydrolysis of the resulting 17,21-orthoacetate. The product was crystallized from acetone-hexane.

M.P. 230.degree.-2.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -75.8.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11700)

IR(KBr) 3500, 3420, 1730, 1720, 1675, 1640, 1610, 1220 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.27 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 53.40; H 5.26; Br 15.44; F 7.34. Found (percent) C 53.52; H 5.32; Br 15.52; F 7.27.

Example 31

Using the general procedure of Example 21 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (XI m) (XI,R.sub.1 =OH,R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate-21-valerate (XI o) (XI, R.sub.1 =OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.3, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) by reaction with valeric anhydride. The product was crystallized from acetone-hexane.

M.P. 159.degree.-60.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -37.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246-7 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11750)

IR(KBr) 3660, 3520, 3380, 1730 (broad), 1675, 1640, 1600, 1240 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.35 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.7 (percent) C 55.91; H 5.86; Br 13.28; F 6.32. Found (percent) C 56.07; H 5.73; Br 13.21; F 6.55.

Example 32

Using the general procedure of Example 28 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa)(XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-propionate (XI p) (XI,R.sub.1 =OH,R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3) by reaction with ethylorthopropionate followed by acid hydrolysis of the resulting 17,21-orthopropionate.

The product was crystallized by acetone-hexane:

M.P. 215.degree.-7.degree. C. (decomposition)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12300)

[.alpha.].sub.D -75.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3500, 3420, 1730, 1712, 1675, 1640, 1605, 1200 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 54.24; H 5.50; Br 15.04; F 7.15. Found (percent) C 54.20; H 5.52; Br 14.79; F 6.97.

Example 33

Using the general procedure of Example 28 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione(XIa)(XI,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-benzoate (XI q) (XI,R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5) by reaction with ethylorthobenzoate followed by acid hydrolysis of the resulting 17,21-orthobenzoate. The product was crystallized by acetone-hexane.

M.P. 241.degree.-3.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -103.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 234-5 m.mu. (.epsilon. 23500)

IR(KBr) 3520, 3430, 1730, 1700, 1680, 1645, 1610 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.28 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 58.04; H 5.04; Br 13.79; F 6.56. Found (percent) C 58.12; H 4.95; Br 13.62; F 6.50.

Example 34

Using the general procedure of Example 28 the 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-p regna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIIa) (XII,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-p regna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (XIIb) (XII,R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) by reaction with ethylorthoacetate followed by acid hydrolysis of the resulting 17,21-orthoacetate. The product was crystallized by acetone-hexane.

M.P. 193.degree.-4.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D -32.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11700)

IR(KBr) 3500, 1730 (broad), 1705, 1680, 1650, 1605, 1240 (broad) cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.26 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.5 (percent) C 50.02; H 4.74; Br 14.47; Cl 12.84; F 3.44. Found (percent) C 50.11; H 4.82; Br 14.35; Cl 13.03; F 3.32.

Example 35

Using the general procedure of Example 21 the 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-p regna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIIa) (XII,R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH) was converted to 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dicloro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pr egna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XII c) (XII,R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH) by reaction with acetic anhydride. The product was crystallized from benzene-light petroleum.

M.P. 202.degree.-4.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D +49.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11800)

IR(KBr) 3470, 1750, 1730, 1668, 1640, 1600, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.23 H.sub.26 FCl.sub.2 BrO.sub.5 (percent) C 50.02; H 4.74; Br 14.47; Cl 12.84; F 3.44. Found (percent) C 50.21; H 4.63; Br 14.41; Cl 12.79; F 3.38.

Example 36

Using the general procedure of example 19 the 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XVIIa) (XVII, R.sub.1 =OH) was converted into 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,16.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahyd roxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-16,17-acetonide (XIXa) (XIX, R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.4 =R.sub.5 =CH.sub.3) crystallized from acetone-hexane.

M.P. 221.degree.-3.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +9 (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11950)

IR(KBr) 3500, 3280, 1730, 1670, 1645, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 54.25; H 5.50; Br 15.04; F 7.15. Found (percent) C 54.37; H 5.42; Br 14.95; F 7.10.

Example 37

50 ml. of hydrochloric acid were added at 0.degree. C. over a period of 30 min. to a suspension of 5 g. of 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11.beta.-oxido-pregn a-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (X) in 30 ml. of acetone.

The mixture was held at 0.degree. C. under stirring for 6 hrs. and then the precipitated 2-bromo-6.beta.fluoro-9.alpha.-chloro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pre gna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XXIII) was recovered by filtration, washed repeatedly with water, dried and crystallized by acetone-hexane.

M.P. 258.degree.-60.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -22.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11100)

IR(KBr) 3440 (broad), 3350, 1753, 1740, 1705, 1675, 1645, 1600, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.29 BrClFO.sub.7 (percent) C 52.14; H 5.08; Br 13.88; Cl 6.16; F 3.30. Found (percent) C 52.34; H 5.02; Br 13.72; Cl 6.22; F 3.25.

Example 38

A mixture of 4.1 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione- 21-acetate (1 a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3), 110 ml. of benzene, 41 ml. of ethylene glycol and 2.45 g. of pyridine hydrochloride was refluxed under stirring for 8 hrs. in a water separator. After the reaction was completed 100 ml. of 5% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution were added. The mixture was further concentrated until crystals appeared and then poured into cold water. The resulting precipitate was removed by filtration, washed neutral with water and dried.

Crystallization of the residue gave 3.7 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-preg n-5-ene-20-one-21-acetate (2 a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) characterized by

M.P. 214.degree.-6.degree. C.

.lambda.max (methanol) 292 m.mu. (.epsilon. 110)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +1.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3480 (broad), 1755,1730,1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.38 O.sub.7 (percent) C 67.51; H8.28 Found (percent) C 67.68; H 8.35.

Example 39

Using the general procedure of example 38 the 16.beta.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione-2 1-acetate (1 b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-pregn -5-ene-20-one-21-acetate (II b)(R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) characterized by

M.P. 214.degree.-6.degree. C.

.lambda.max (methanol) 292 m.mu. (.epsilon. 130)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +36 (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3525 (broad), 1755, 1730, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.38 O.sub.7 (percent) C 67.51; H 8.28 Found (percent) C 67.57; H 8.15.

Example 40

A solution of monoperphthalic acid (21 g.) in ether (120 ml.) was added over 1.5 hr. to a solution of 15 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-preg n-5-ene-20-one-21-acetate (II a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) in chloroform (500 ml.) at -30.degree. C. After keeping at -30.degree. C. for 3 hrs. the organic phase was washed acid free with 5% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution. The solution was then washed with water, dried and evaporated to a residue which by crystallization from methanol gave 12 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-5.al pha.,6.alpha.-oxido-pregnane-20-one-21-acetate (III a)(R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) characterized by

IR(KBr) 3600, 3520, 1755, 1725, 1235 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.38 O.sub.8 (percent) C 65.25; H 8.00 Found (percent) C 65.20; H 7.92.

Example 41

Using the general procedure of example 40 the 16.beta.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha., 21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-pregn-5-ene-20-one-21-acetate (II b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-5.alp ha.,6.alpha.-oxido-pregnane-20-one-21-acetate (III b)(R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) characterized by

IR(KBr) 3550, 3450 (broad), 1740, 1728, 1235 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.38 O.sub.8 (percent) C 65.25; H 8.00 Found (percent) C 65.37; H 8.08.

Example 42

4.5 g. of 16.alpha.-CH.sub.3 -11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-5.alpha.,6.alpha.-ox ido-pregnane-20-one-21-acetate (III a)(R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) were added over a period of about 1.5 hr. under stirring to 45 ml. of a cooled (-65.degree. C.) 70% hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution. After addition was completed the solution was stirred for 0.5 hr. at -60.degree. C. and then poured into water (650 ml.). The solid was dissolved in ethyl acetate (400 ml.), the solution was washed with sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution until it was acid free and then washed neutral with water and finally dried over sodium sulphate. Removal of the solvent afforded a crude product which by one crystallization from acetone-hexane afforded 3.2 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydro xy-pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (IV a)(R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) characterized by

M.P. 218.degree.-20.degree. C.

.lambda.max (methanol) 290 m.mu. (.epsilon. 90)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +21.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3640, 3560, 3450 (broad), 1740,1730,1710,1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.35 FO.sub.7 (percent) C 63.42; H 7.76; F 4.18 Found (percent) C 63.50; H 7.65; F 4.15.

Example 43

Using the general procedure of example V the 16.beta.-methyl-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-3,3-ethylene-dioxy-5.alp ha.,6.alpha.-oxido-pregnane-20-one-21-acetate (III b)(R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydrox y-pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (4 b)(R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3)

M.P. 220.degree.-2.degree. C.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +54.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 292 m.mu. (.epsilon. 98)

IR(KBr) 3640, 3460 (broad), 1750,1730,1705,1235 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.35 FO.sub.7 (percent) C 63.42; H 7.76; F 4.18 Found (percent) C 63.31; H 7.62; F 4.02.

Example 44

A mixture of 2 g. of sodium acetate and 10 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydro xy-pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (IVa)(R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) dissolved in 100 ml. of dioxane was stirred at 25.degree.-30.degree. C. while a solution of 4 g. of bromine in 50 ml. of dioxane was added dropwise over a period of about 2-3 min. After addition of bromine was completed the mixture of reaction was poured into 1500 ml. of a cold 5% sodium chloride aqueous solution. After stirring for 1 hr., a white crystalline product was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried, 16.alpha.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha .,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (V a)(R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3). Crystallization from acetone-hexane gave about 7 g. of white solid characterized by

M.P. 137.degree.-8.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +27.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 288 m.mu. (.epsilon. 112)

IR(KBr) 3640,3560,3470 (broad), 1730 (broad), 1230 (broad) cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.34 BrFO.sub.7 (percent) C 54.04; H 6.42; Br 14.98; F 3.56 Found (percent) C 54.23; H 6.46; Br 14.81; F 3.57.

Example 45

Using the general procedure of example 44 the 16.beta.-methyl-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydrox y-pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (IVb) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha. ,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (Vb) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +68.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 292 m.mu. (.epsilon. 123)

IR(KBr) 3640, 3460, 3420, 1745, 1735 (broad), 1230 cm.sup.-1

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.24 BrFO.sub.7 (percent) C 54.04; H 6.42; Br 14.98; F 3.56 Found (percent) C 54.25; H 6.43; Br 14.75; F 3.48.

Example 46

A solution of 10 g. of 16.alpha.-CH.sub.3 -2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydrox y-pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (V a) (R.sub.3 =CH.sub.3) in 50 ml. of pyridine was stirred at -5.degree. C. while dropwise adding 8 g. of methane sulfonyl chloride over a period of about 15 min. After addition was completed the mixture was stirred for 1.5 hr. maintaining the temperature at about 0.degree. C., then poured into 400 ml. of cold water and 200 ml. of dichloroethane. The mixture was acidified at pH 3.5 with 4N sulphuric acid solution and stirred for 1 hr. The dichloroethane layer was separated, the aqueous portion extracted once with 200 ml. of dichloroethane and the combinated organic extracts washed neutral with water, dried and concentrated to dryness under vacuum at 60.degree. C. The yellow oily residue by crystallization from benzene-hexane gave 16.alpha.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha .,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane- 3,20-dione-11-mesylate-21-acetate (VIa) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +30.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 288 m.mu. (.epsilon. 130)

IR(KBr) 3520 (broad), 1730 (broad), 1330, 1230, 1170 cm.sup.-1

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.36 BrFO.sub.9 S (percent) C 49.10; H 5.93; Br 13.07; F 3.11 Found (percent) C 48.85; H 5.81; Br 13.23; F 3.20.

Example 47

Using the general procedure of example 46 the 16.beta.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha., 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-21-acetate (V b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha. ,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-21-acetate (VI bXR.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3).

M.P. 148.degree.-50.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +60.degree. (C 1.0 in dioxane)

.lambda.max (methanol) 292 m.mu. (.epsilon. 99)

IR(KBr) 3660,3520(broad),3370(broad),1740,1725,1330,1220,1170 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.36 BrFO.sub.9 S (percent) C 49.10; H 5.93; Br 13.07; F 3.11 Found (percent) C 49.23; H 5.89; Br 13.25; F 2.98.

Example 48

10 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha .,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mexylate-21-acetate (VI aXR.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) were added to a solution of 75 ml. of acetic anhydride and 0.5 ml. of 70% perchloric acid in 450 ml. of ethyl acetate. The mixture was kept at 30.degree. C. for 0.5 hr. and washed successively with 5% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution. The ethyl acetate solution after anhydrification on sodium sulphate was evaporated to dryness under vacuum. Crystallization of the residue from methanol gave about 9 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha .,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-5,17,21-triacetate(VII aXR.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) characterized by

M.P. 136.degree.-8.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D .sup.20 -3.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 1745 (broad), 1365, 1220 (broad), 1170 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.40 BrFO.sub.11 S (percent) C 50.07; H 5.80; Br 11.49; F 2.73. Found (percent) C 50.25; H 5.92; Br 11.35; F 2.66.

Example 49

Using the general procedure of example 48 the 16.beta.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha. ,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-21-acetate (VIb) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha., 11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-5,17,2 1-triacetate (VIIb) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) characterized by

M.P. 131.degree.-2.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +27.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 1750 (broad), 1370, 1220 (broad), 1170 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.40 BrFo.sub.11 S (percent) C 50.07; H 5.80; Br 11.49; F 2.73. Found (percent) C 50.15; H 5.72; Br 11.55; F 2.82.

Example 50

6.9 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-5.alpha.,11.alpha.,17.alpha .,21-tetrahydroxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-5,17,21-triacetate (VII a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) were dissolved in 320 ml. of anhydrous acetic acid at 90.degree. C. on the steam bath. A solution of sodium acetate (15 g. dried at 100.degree. C.) in acetic acid (60 ml.) at 90.degree. C. was added, followed immediately by 1.80 g. of bromine in acetic acid (25 ml.), added in one lot. Heating at 90.degree. C. was continued until the bromine colour disappeared (about 5 min. in all). The solution was then cooled as rapidly as possible to room temperature and poured in cold water. The solid was collected by filtration, washed thoroughly with water and dried to a constant weight, giving about 7 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2,2-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydr oxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-17,21-diacetate (VII bis a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3).

M.P. 135.degree.-7.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -20.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 242-3 m.mu. (.epsilon. 10700)

IR(KBr) 1745, 1730, 1698, 1620, 1330, 1220, 1770 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd, for C.sub.27 H.sub.35 Br.sub.2 FO.sub.9 S (percent) C 45.39; H 4.94; Br 22.37; F 2.66. Found (percent) C 45.62; H 5.05; Br 22.23; F 2.55.

Example 51

Using the general procedure of example 50 the 16.beta.-methyl-2.alpha.-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihy droxy-pregnane-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-5,17,21-triacetate (VII bXR.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2,2-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydro xy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-17,21-diacetate (VII bis b)(R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3).

M.P. 141.degree.-2.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +12.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 243 m.mu. (.epsilon.10600)

IR(KBr) 1745,1730,1696,1625,1330,1220,1170 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.35 Br.sub.2 FO.sub.9 S (percent) C 45.39; H 4.94; Br 22.37; F 2.66. Found (percent) C 45.51; H 4.88; Br 22.48; F 2.52.

Example 52

6 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2,2-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydr oxy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione-11mesylate-17,21-diacetate (VII bis aXR.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) were added in one portion to a mixture of 60 ml. of dimethylformamide, 12 g. of lithium carbonate and 6 g. of lithium bromide under stirring at 100.degree. C. The reaction mixture was then refluxed at 130.degree. C. under nitrogen for 0.5 hr., cooled and poured into cold water. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and dried

Crystallization of the residue from acetone-hexane gave 3.5 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4, 9(11)-triene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (VIII aXR.sub.3 =16.alpha.CH.sub.3) characterized by

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -84.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246-7 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12900)

IR(KBr) 1745,1730,1680,1605,1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.30 BrFO.sub.6 (percent) C 58.11; H 5.63; Br 14.87; F 3.53. Found (percent) C58.07; H 5.69; Br 14.79; F 3.47.

Example 53

Using the general procedure of example 52 the 16.beta.-methyl-2,2-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.alpha.,17.alpha.,21-trihydro xy-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione-11-mesylate-17,21-diacetate (VII bis bXR.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-dluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,9 (11)-triene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (VIII bXR.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) characterized by

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -66.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12430)

IR(KBr) 1760,1740 (broad), 1670,1600,1235 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (CDCl.sub.3 -TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 454 (S,1, C-1 H) 376, 372 (d,1,C-4 H) 342,288 (doublet of triplets, 1,C-6 H) 340-330 (m,1,C-11 H) 298,282,266,250 (doublet or doublets, 2,CH.sub.2 OAc) 130 (S,3,OAc) 126 (S,3, OAc) 96, 94 (d,3,19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 85,78 (d,3,C-16 .beta.CH.sub.3) 46 (S,3,18 CH.sub.3)

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.30 BrFO.sub.6 (percent) C 58.11; H 5.62; Br 14.87; F 3.53. Found (percent) C 58.20; H 5.71; Br 14.92; F 3.47.

Example 54

8.5 g. of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethyl-hydantoin were added in the dark at 15.degree. C. under stirring over a period of 0.5 hr. to a suspension of 11 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4, 9(11)-triene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (VIII a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) in 250 ml. of tetrahydrofurane and 1.1 g. of 70% perchloric acid in 11 ml. of water. During the addition the suspension began to thin and after a total reaction time of 45 min. all the starting material was dissolved. After an additional 2 hrs., 10% sodium sulfite aqueous solution was added under stirring until Kj-starch paper was no longer blued. The solution was slowly poured into 1000 ml. cold water, then filtered and utilized moist in the next reaction. The 16.alpha.-methyl-2,9.alpha.-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (10 a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) was filtered and utilized moist in the next reaction. Analytically pure (10 a) was obtained by crystallization from acetone-hexane.

M.P. 205.degree.-7.degree. C. (decomposition)

IR(KBr) 3470,1760,1730,1670,1640,1610,1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.31 Br.sub.2 FO.sub.7 (percent) C 49.23; H 4.93; Br 25.19; F 2.99.

Found (percent) C 49.31; H 5.05; Br 25.35; F 3.10.

Example 55

Using the general procedure of example XVII the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,9 (11)-triene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (VIII b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2,9.alpha.-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (10 b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) characterized by

M.P. 207.degree.-9.degree. C. (decomposition)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1740,1725,1675,1645,1600,1235 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.31 Br.sub.2 FO.sub.7 (percent) C 49.23; H 4.93; Br 25.19; F 2.99. Found (percent) C 49.37; H 5.10; Br 24.95; F 2.91.

However, the product (10 b) was filtered and utilized moist in the next reaction.

Example 56

50 ml. of a 14% potassium carbonate aqueous solution were added over a period of 20 min. at 20.degree. C. under stirring to the solution of the moist product (10 a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) 16.alpha.-methyl-2,9.alpha.-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate obtained in example XVII from 11 g. of the product (9 a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) in 220 ml. of acetone. The solution was stirred for 3.5 hrs. Ice water was added under stirring, upon which crystallization occurs rapidly. The product 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11. beta.-oxido-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (11 a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) was filtered, washed with water, dried and characterized by

M.P. 232.degree.-4.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -96.degree., (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 1755,1735,1675,1645,1610,1235 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.30 BrFO.sub.7 (percent) C 56.43; Br 14.44 F 3.43. Found (percent) C 56.61; H 5.32; Br 14.27; F 3.52.

Example 57

Using the general procedure of example 56 the 16.beta.-methyl-2,9.alpha.-dibromo-6.beta.-fluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (10 b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11. beta.-oxido-pregna-1,4,-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (11 b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) characterized by

M.P. 234.degree.-5.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -53.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 1755,1730,1675,1645,1610,1240 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.30 BrFO.sub.7 (percent) C 56.43; H 5.46; Br 14.44; F 3.43. Found (percent) C 56.29; H 5.32; Br 3.37.

Example 58

50 ml. of a 70% hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution were cooled to -10.degree. C. in a polyethylene flask equipped with electromagnetic stirrer. 3.7 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11. beta.-oxido-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (11 a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) were added under stirring during 15 min. After 1.5 hr. the reaction mixture was precipitated in water and ammonia. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to a constant weight, giving about 3.5 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12 a) (X=OH, Y=F, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3). Crystallization from benzene-n-hexane gave 3 g. of pure product characterized by

M.P. 288.degree.-9.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -47.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12100)

IR(KBr) 3500,1760,1730,1710,1680,1640,1610,1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.7 (percent) C 54.46; H 5.45; Br 13.93; F 6.63.

Found (percent) C 54.58; H 5.37; Br 13.80; F 6.75.

Example 59

Using the general procedure of example 58 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11.b eta.-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (11 b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tri hydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12 b) (X=OH, Y=F, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3), characterized by

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -130.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12000)

IR(XBr) 3480,1755,1740,1725,1678,1645,1600,1235 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calad. for C.sub.26 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.7 (percent) C 54.46; H 5.45; Br 13.93; F 6.63. Found (percent) C 54.65; H 5.38; Br 14.10; F 6.75.

Example 60

50 ml. of hydrochloric acid were added at 0.degree. C. over a period of 40 min. to a solution of 5 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11. beta.-oxido-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (11 a) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) in 30 ml. of acetone. The mixture was held at 0.degree. C. with stirring for about 2.5 hrs. and then the precipitate of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.-chloro-11.beta.,17.alpha. ,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12 c) (X=OH, Y=Cl, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) was recovered by filtration, washed repeatedly with water and dried (4.9 g.). The solid was crystallized from acetone-hexane and characterized by

M.P. 245.degree.-6.degree. C. (decomposition)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12000)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -34.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3460,1757,1730,1710,1678,1645,1608,1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.31 BrClFO.sub.7 (percent) C 52.94; H 5.30; Br 13.54; Cl 6.01; F 3.22. Found (percent) C 53.12; H 5.37; Br 13.71; Cl 6.12; F 3.14.

Example 61

Using the general procedure of example 60 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-9.beta.,11.b eta.-oxido-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (11 b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.-chloro-11.beta.,17.alpha., 21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12 d) (X=OH, Y=Cl, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) characterized by

M.P. 250.degree.-1.degree. C. (decomposition)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12150)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +2.degree. (C 1.0 chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3480,1740 (broad), 1723,1675,1645,1600,1235 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.31 BrClFO.sub.7 (percent) C 52.94; H 5.30; Br 13.54; Cl 6.01; F 3.22. Found (percent) C 52.73; H 5.32; Br 13.60; cl 6.15; F 3.31.

Example 62

To a solution of 10 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4, 9(11)-triene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (9.alpha.) (R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) and 40 g. lithium chloride in 200 ml. of glacial acetic acid were added at 20.degree. C. under stirring 5 g. of N-chlorosuccinimide. The mixture was kept at 20 C. and stirred while dropwise adding 10 ml. of a 12% hydrochloric acid tetrahydrofurane solution over a period of about 10 min. After 3.5 hrs. the reaction mixture was poured into cold water, the solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried, giving 7.5 g. of pure product 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alph a.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12e) (X=Y=Cl, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) characterized by M.P. 253.degree.-5.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -10.degree. C. (C 1.0 in chloroform) max (methanol) 245 m.mu. (12350)

IR(KBr) 1745, 1730, 1670, 1645, 1605, 1235 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (dimethyl-d.sub.6 sulfoxide-TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 464 (S, 1, C-1 H) 393,398 (d, 1, C-4 H) 346,296(doublet of triplets, 1, C-6 H) 318-304 (m, 1, C-11 H) 309, 293, 288, 272 (doublet of doublets, 2, CH.sub.2 OAc) 125 (S, 1, OAc) 123 (S, 1, OAc) 108,104 (d 3, 19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 65 (S, 3, 18 CH.sub.3) 58,51 (d, 3, 16.alpha.CH.sub.3).

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.30 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.6 (percent) C 51.33; H 4.97; Br 13.14; Cl 11.66; F 3.12. Found (percent) C 51.45; H 5.07; Br 13.04; Cl 11.81; F 3.19.

Example 63

Using the general procedure of example 62 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-17.alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4,9 (11)-triene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (9 b) (R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha ., 21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12 f) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl) characterized by M.P. 224.degree.-6.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +21.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 1750, 1730, 1675, 1645, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (diemethyl-d.sub.6 sulfoxide-TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 465 (S, 1, C-1 H) 394,390 (d, 1, C-4 H) 348,298 (doublet of triplets 1, C-6 H) 320-305 (m, 1 C-11 H) 295,279,270,254 (doublet of doublets, 2, CH.sub.2 OAc) 126 (S, 6, 2xOAc) 109, 105 (d, 3, 19CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 78,72 (d, 3, 16.beta.CH.sub.3) 58 (S, 3, 18 CH.sub.3).

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.26 H.sub.30 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.6 (percent) C 51.33; H 4.97; Br 13.14; Cl 11.66; F 3.12. Found (percent) C 51.55; H 4.82; Br 12.98; Cl 11.65; F 3.12.

Example 64

A suspension of 5.2 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12a) (X=CH, Y=F, R.sub.3 =CH.sub.3, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3) in 120 ml. of 1% potassium hydroxide methanolic solution was stirred under nitrogen at 0.degree. C. for 3 hrs. Addition of cold water, elimination of methanol in vacuo, acidification with acetic acid and filtration gave 4 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluro-11.beta., 17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (X=OH, Y=F, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -24.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12250)

IR(KBr) 3460(broad), 1710, 1665, 1640, 1603 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (dimethyl-d.sub.6 sulfoxide-TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 466 (S, 1, C-1 H) 388,384 (d, 1, C-4 H) 345,295 (doublet of triplets, 1, C-6 H) 318-314 (d, 1, C-11 OH) 296 (S,,1C-17 OH) 280-225 (multiplet which becomes a quartet by deuterium exchange, 2, COCH.sub.2 OH) 96,94 (d,3,19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 54 (S,3,18, CH.sub.3) 54,44 (d,3,C-16.alpha.CH.sub.3)

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.27 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.5 (percent) C 53.99; H 5.56; Br 16.33; F 7.76. Found (percent) C 54.10; H 5.70; Br 16.41; F 7.85.

Example 65

Using the general procedure of example 64 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12 b) (X=OH, Y=F, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pergna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h) (X=OH, Y=F, R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3).

M.P. 216.degree.-7.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +11.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 10900)

IR(KBr) 3440 (broad), 1715, 1665, 1640, 1600 cm.sup.-1.

NMR (dimethyl-d.sub.6 sulfoxide-TMS) Hz at 60 mHz 472 (S, 1, C-1 H) 388,384 (d, 1, C-4 H) 346,296 (doublet of triplets, 1, C-6 H) 339-334 (m, 1, C-11 OH) 315 (S, 1, C-17 OH) 280-240 (multiplet which becomes a quartet by deuterium exchange, 2, COCH.sub.2 OH) 96,94 (d, 3, 19 CH.sub.3 split by 6.beta.F) 65,58 (d, 3, C-16.beta.CH.sub.3) 58 (S, 3, 18 CH.sub.3).

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.27 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.5 (percent) C 53.99; H 5.56; Br 16.33; F 7.76. Found (percent) C 53.75; H 5.45; Br 16.41; F 7.87.

Example 66

Using the general procedure of example 64 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alph a.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12 e) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17 .alpha.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 i) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl).The product was crystallized from acetone-hexane.

M.P. 216.degree.-8.degree. C.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +21.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

IR(KBr) 3640, 3500, 3400, 1705, 1665, 1642, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.26 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.4 (percent) C 50.40; H 4.99; Br 15.24; Cl 13.52; F 3.62. Found (percent) C 50.63; H 5.12; Br 15.34; Cl 13.68; F 3.61.

Example 67

Using the general procedure of example 66 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (12 d) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 j) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +51.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11500)

IR(KBr) 3600, 3480, 3360, 1710, 1665, 1645, 1610 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.22 H.sub.26 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.4 (percent) C 50.40; H 4.99; Br 15.24; Cl 13.52; F 3.62. Found (percent) C 50.35; H 4.81; Br 15.20; Cl 13.31; F 3.68.

Example 68

7 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) were dissolved in 70 ml. of pyridine containing 35 ml. of acetic anhydride and kept at room temperature for 12 hrs. Addition of ice water afforded a product which was extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution was washed with water, 2NHCl, 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and water.

After drying (Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and removal of the solvent in vacuo the residue was crystallized from acetone-hexane to give 6.7 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-21-acetate (12 k) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, X=OH, Y=F, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3)

M.P. 229.degree.-31.degree. C.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -6.3.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11300)

IR(KBr) 3520 (broad), 1740, 1720, 1665, 1640, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 54.25; H 5.50; Br 15.04; F 7.15. Found (percent) C 54.41; H 5.60; Br 14.95; F 7.12.

Example 69

Using the general procedure of example 68 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (12 l) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =OH, X=OH, Y=F, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3).

M.P. 216.degree.-8.degree. C.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +25.degree. (C. 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11500)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1745, 1720, 1675, 1645, 1610, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 54.25; H 5.50; Br 15.04; F 7.15. Found (percent) C 54.45; H 5.38; Br 15.11; F 7.08.

Example 70

Using the general procedure of example 68 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, Y=F) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-propionate (12 m) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) by reaction with propionic anhydride.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +4.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 10800)

IR(KBr) 3520 (broad), 1740, 1728, 1672, 1645, 1605, 1225 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 55.05; H 5.73; Br 14.65; F 6.97. Found (percent) C 55.25; H 5.62; Br 14.55; F 7.07.

Example 71

Using the general procedure of example 68 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-propionate (12 n) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) by reaction with propionic anhydride.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +27.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11000)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1745, 1730, 1670, 1645, 1605, 1220 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 55.05; H 5.73; Br 14.65; F 6.97. Found (percent) C 55.10; H 5.72; Br 14.85; F 7.08.

Example 72

Using the general procedure of example 68 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alph a.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 i) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alph a.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (12 o) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl). The product was crystallized from methanol. The crystals showed at 158.degree. C. a transaction from the low melting form II to the form I melting 237.degree.-8.degree. C. (decomp.)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +32.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11550)

IR(KBr) 3550, 3460, 3340, 1755, 1730, 1673, 1635, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.28 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.5 (percent) C 50.90; H 4.98; Br 14.11; Cl 12.52; F 3.35. Found (percent) C 51.12; H 5.05; Br 13.98; Cl 12.40; F 3.28.

Example 73

Using the general procedure of example 68 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 j) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (12 p) (R.sub.1 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl).

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +61.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon. 11000)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1750, 1730, 1675, 1645, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.28 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.5 (percent) C 50.90; H 4.98; Br 14.11; Cl 12.52; F 3.35. Found (percent) C 51.12; H 4.88; Br 13.95; Cl 12.41; F 3.28.

Example 74

A mixture of 5 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F), 5 ml. of dimethylformamide was maintained for 4 hrs. under nitrogen at 115.degree. C. Then the mixture was neutralized by pyridine and concentrated under vacuum to dryness. Purification by column chromatography on FLORISIL (Registered Trade Mark) (ratio 1:150) with benzene-chloroform (1:1) as eluant, gave 4 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-(1'-methoxy)-n-pentylidenodioxy which, without further purification, was suspended in 25 ml. of methanol and 3 ml. 1 N hydrochloric acid aqueous solution, heated on water bath at 40.degree.-50.degree. C.

After complete solubilization of the product, the mixture was concentrated under vacuum. The insoluble product was filtered off, washed with water and then dried.

The 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate (12 q) (Z=H, R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3. R.sub.3 =H, X=OH, Y=F) thus obtained was characterized by

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -92.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (mehtanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon. 12300)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1730, 1715, 1672, 1640, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.36 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 56.55; H 6.15; Br 13.93; F 6.63. Found (percent) C 56.67; H 6.05; Br 14.12; F 6.75.

Example 75

Using the general procedure of example 74 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 r) (R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=Z)

M.P. 212.degree.-4.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -91.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon.12100)

IR(KBr) 3450 (broad), 1725, 1710, 1680, 1640, 1610, 1250 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 54.29; H 5.50; Br 15.04; F 7.15. Found (percent) C 54.48; H 5.57; Br 15.18; F 7.20.

Example 76

Using the general procedure of example 74 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h)(R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-valerate (12 s) (R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3,X=OH, Y=Z).

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -60.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon.12000)

IR(KBr) 3480 (broad), 1730, 1710, 1675, 1640, 1610 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.35 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 56.55; H 6.15; Br 13.93; F 6.63. Found (percent) C 56.80; H 6.08; Br 13.83; F 6.75.

Example 77

Using the general procedure of example 74 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-(12 h) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 t) (R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=Z).

M.P. 227.degree.-8.degree. C. (decomposition)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon.11100)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1670, 1642, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.29 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 54.25; H 5.50; Br 15.04; F 7.15. Found (percent) C 53.97; H 5.61; Br 15.24; F 7.27.

Example 78

Using the general procedure of example 74 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alph a.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 i) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alph a.,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 u) (R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl).

M.P. 245.degree.-7.degree. C. (decomposition)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -43.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245 m.mu. (.epsilon.11750)

IR(KBr) 3500, 1720, 1710, 1675, 1640, 1607 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.28 BrCl.sub.2 PO.sub.5 (percent) C 50.90; H 4.98; Br 14.11; Cl 12.52; F 3.35. Found (percent) C 51.12; H5.07; Br 13.97; Cl 12.30; F. 3.27.

Example 79

Using the general procedure of example 74 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h) (R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro-9.alpha.,11.beta.-dichloro-17.alpha .,21-dihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene- 3,20-dione-17-acetate (12 v) (R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=Y=Cl).

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -12.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon.11600)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1720, 1710, 1670, 1645, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.24 H.sub.28 BrCl.sub.2 FO.sub.5 (percent) C 50.90; H 4.98; Br 14.11; Cl 12.52; F 3.35. Found (percent) C 51.15; H 5.19; Br 14.05; Cl 12.47; F 3.28.

Example 80

A solution of 6 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21 -trihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3) in 12 ml. of dimethylformamide and 40 ml. of 2,2-dimethoxypropane with 0.030 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid was heated for 5 hrs. at 115.degree. C. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured in 10% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution and chloroform. The chloroform solution was then washed with water, dried and evaporated to a residue which by crystallization from acetone-hexane gave 5 g. of 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-diene-17,21-acetonide (12 w) characterized by

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup..degree. -18.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon.11950)

IR(KBr) 3480 (broad), 1725, 1678, 1645, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.5 (percent) C 56.72; H 5.90; Br 15.09; F 7.18. Found (percent) C 56.90; H 6.08; Br 15.25; F 7.27.

Example 81

Using the general procedure of example 80 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-acetonide (12z) characterized by

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +14.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform) .lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon.12000)

IR(KBr) 3475 (broad), 1720, 1675, 1640, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.5 (percent) C 56.72; H 5.90; Br 15.09; F 7.18. Found (percent) C 56.91; H 5.73; Br 14.89; F 7.12.

Example 82

Using the general procedure of Example 68 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-valerate (12 aa) (R.sub.1 =OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) by reaction with valeric anhydride.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +10.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon.11700)

IR(KBr) 3500 (broad), 1740, 1725, 1670, 1640, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.35 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 56.55; H 6.15; Br 13.93; F 6.62. Found (percent) C 56.48; H 6.21; Br 14.05; F 6.55.

Example 83

Using the general procedure of Example 68 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h)(R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluror-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-valerate (12 ab) (R.sub.1 =OCO(CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) by reaction with valeric anhydride.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup..degree. +39.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon.11800)

IR(KBr) 3520 (broad), 1745, 1730, 1670, 1645, 1605, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.35 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 56.55; H 6.15; Br 13.93; F 6.62. Found (percent) C 56.61; H 6.05; Br 13.89; F 6.70.

Example 84

Using the general procedure of Example 68 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydoxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20- dione-21-pivalate (12 ac) (R.sub.1 =OCOC(CH.sub.3).sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) by reaction with pivalic anhydride.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 +5.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 245-6 m.mu. (.epsilon.10850)

IR(KBr) 3480 (broad), 1740, 1730, 1670, 1645, 1605, 1225 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.35 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 56.55; H 6.15; Br 13.93; F 6.62. Found (percent) C 56.60; H 6.12; Br 13.95; F 6.55.

Example 85

Using the general procedure of Example 68 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 h) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,6.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-pivalate (12 ad) (R.sub.1 =OCOC(CH.sub.3).sub.3, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 .beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) by reaction with pivalic anhydride.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup..degree. +36.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246.gtoreq.6 m.mu. (.epsilon.11000)

IR(KBr) 3490 (broad), 1740, 1730, 1670, 1640, 1600, 1230 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.27 H.sub.35 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 56.55, H 6.15; Br 13.93; F 6.62. Found (percent) C 56.70; H 6.23; Br 14.08; F 6.75.

Example 86

Using the general procedure of Example 68 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-benzoate (12 ae) (R.sub.1 =OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) by reaction with benzoic anhydride

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 .div.75.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 234 m.mu. (.epsilon.22500)

IR(KBr) 3600, 3430 (broad), 1730, 1710, 1670, 1645, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.29 H-hd 31BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 58,69; H 5.26; Br 13.46; F 6.40. Found (percent) C 58.85; H 5.35; Br 13.37; F 6.30.

Example 87

Using the general procedure of Example 68 the 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 .beta.) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.beta.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-tr ihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-benzoate (12 af) (R.sub.1 =OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5, R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.beta.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) by reaction with benzoic anhydride.

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 .div.106.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 234 m.mu. (.epsilon.22700)

IR(KBr) 3580, 3420 (broad), 1725, 1710, 1670, 1640, 1600 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 58.69; H 5.26; Br 13.46; F 6.40. Found (percent) C 58.78; H 5.15; Br 13.27; F 6.25.

Example 88

Using the general procedure of Example 74 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.2 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-propionate (12 ag) (R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, . Y=F)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -92.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 246 m.mu. (.epsilon.12100)

IR(KBr) 3500, 3430, 1730, 1710, 1675, 1645, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.25 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 55.05; H 5.73; Br 14.65; F 6.97. Found (percent) C 55.15; H 5.68; Br 14.47; F 7.02.

Example 89

Using the general procedure of Example 74 the 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione (12 g) (R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 =OH, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, Y=F) was converted into 16.alpha.-methyl-2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-t rihydroxy-pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17-benzoate (12 ah) (R.sub.1 =OH, R.sub.2 =OCOC.sub.6 H.sub.5, R.sub.3 =.alpha.CH.sub.3, X=OH, X=F)

[.alpha.].sub.D.sup.20 -120.degree. (C 1.0 in chloroform)

.lambda.max (methanol) 234 m.mu. (.epsilon.23000)

IR(KBr) 3490, 3420, 1730, 1710, 1678, 1645, 1605 cm.sup.-1.

Analysis: Calcd. for C.sub.29 H.sub.31 BrF.sub.2 O.sub.6 (percent) C 58,69; H 5.26; Br 13.46; F 6.40. Found (percent) C 58.75; H 5.18; Br 13.35; F 6.30.

Example 90

Topical cream formulations containing variable percentages of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.21-trihydroxy-1,4-dien e-3,20-dione 17,21-diacetate (XI).

The ingredients are mixed in a conventional manner for preparing a pharmaceutical topical cream.

If desired, an antibacterial component such as neomycin may be added to the formulation in amount ranging from 0.1% to 3%.

Example 91

Topical ointment formulations containing variable percentages of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI).

The ingredients are blended in a conventional manner providing a colorless topical ointment.

If desired, an antibacterial component such as neomycin may be added to the formulation in amount ranging from 0.1% to 3%.

Example 92

Topical gel formulations containing variable percentages of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI).

The ingredients are mixed in a conventional manner for preparing a pharmaceutical topical gel.

Example 93

Topical lotion formulations containing variable percentages of 2-bromo6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregne-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI).

The ingredients are mixed in a conventional manner providing a topical lotion.

If desired, an antibacterial component such as neomycin may be added to the formulation in amount ranging from 0.1% to 3%.

Example 94

Ophthalmic (otic) ointment containing variable percentages of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione-17,21-diacetate (XI).

Ingredients are blended in a conventional manner providing an ophthalmic or otic preparation.

If an antibacterial ingredient is desired, neomycin may be added as the micronized sulfate salt.

Example 95

Tablets containing variable amount of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxy-pregna- 1,4-diene-3,20-dione (XIa).

The active compound, starch and lactose are blended and compressed into slugs which are then granulated.

Talc and magnesium stearate are added to the granulated mixture which is compressed into tablets weighing 0.200 g. Each tablet contains 1-50 mg of active compound.

Example 96

Oral suspension containing variable amount of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.21-trihydroxy-pregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XIc).

The ingredients are mixed in a conventional manner to provide a flavoured suspension.

Example 97

Suspension for injections containing variable amount of 2-bromo-6.beta.,9.alpha.-difluoro-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-trihydroxypregna-1 ,4-diene-3,20-dione-21-acetate (XIc).

The ingredients are mixed in a conventional manner to provide a sterile suspension of the active compound in very fine particles.

Compositions of all the other compounds of the invention, and in particular those named specifically above, may be made by replacing the active ingredients in each of Examples 91 to 97 with any one of the other named compounds.

Claims

We claim:

1. In a process for preparing 2-bromo-6.beta.-fluoro pregna-1,4-dien-3,20-dione compounds having the formula A ##STR4## wherein X represents Br, Cl, or OQ; Y represents Br, Cl, F or H; R.sub.1 represents OQ; R.sub.2 represents OQ; R.sub.3 represents H, CH.sub.3 or .alpha.-OQ; and the groups Q, which may be the same or different from each other, represent H or acyl or the two OQ groups in 16- and 17-position or the two OQ groups in 17- and 21-position together form a cyclic ketal, cyclic acetal or cyclic alkyl orthorester, wherein at least one group OQ is a carboxylic or inorganic acid radical, by ketalizing a compound of formula I ##STR5## wherein R.sub.3 ' is hydrogen or methyl and Ac is CH.sub.3 CO under migration of the double bond into 5,6-position, epoxidizing the double bond and reacting the resulting 5.alpha.6.beta.-epoxide with hydro-fluoric acid to form a fluoro hydrin compound of formula IV ##STR6## wherein R.sub.3 ' and Ac are as defined above converting the compound of (IV) into a compound of formula VIII ##STR7## wherein R.sub.3 ' and Ac are as defined above introducing the substituents X and Y in 9- and 11-position of the compound of formula VIII and converting the OAc groups in 17- and 21-position into a group OQ to form a compound of formula A' ##STR8## wherein X, Y, R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 ' are as defined above, and dehydrating a compound of formula A' wherein R.sub.3 ' is hydrogen and X, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each are hydroxy to form a compound of formula ##STR9## oxidizing the compound of formula XIc into the corresponding 16, 17 dihydroxy compound and converting the 16, 17 and 21 hydroxy groups therein into a group OQ to obtain a compound of formula A" ##STR10## wherein X, Y, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above and R.sub.3 " is OQ, wherein the improvement comprises the conversion of a compound of formula IV into a compound of formula VIII comprising the steps of (a) monobrominating the compound of formula IV into a corresponding 2.alpha.-bromo compound of the formula V ##STR11## wherein R.sub.3 ' and Ac are as defined above, (b) mesylating the 11-hydroxy group of the compound of formula V and acetylating the resulting 11-mesylate into a compound of formula VII ##STR12## wherein R.sub.3 ' and Ac are as defined above and MS represents CH.sub.3 SO.sub.2 --, (c) brominating the compound of formula VII under dehydroacetylation into a compound of formula VII bis ##STR13## wherein R.sub.3 ' Ac and MS are as defined above, and (d) dehydrobrominating the compound (VIII bis) under dehydromesylation into the compound of formula VIII.

2. The process as defined in claim 1 wherein in step (a) the monobromination is carried out with bromine in a buffered reaction medium.

3. The process as defined in claim 2 wherein the monobromination is carried out with bromine in sodium-acetate buffered dioxane.

4. The process as defined in claim 1 wherein in step (c) the bromination is carried out with bromine in acetic acid containing sodium or potassium acetate.

5. The process as defined in claim 1 wherein in step (d) the compound of formula VII bis is treated with a combination comprising a metal halide and an amide solvent.

6. The process as defined in claim 1 wherein the metal halide is lithium chloride, lithium bromide or mixtures thereof.

7. The process as defined in claim 6 wherein the combination further comprises lithium carbonate.

8. The process as defined in claim 6 wherein the amide solvent is selected from the group consisting of dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-formylpiperidine, and mixtures thereof.

9. The process as defined in claim 8 wherein the compound of formula VII bis is treated with a combination of lithium bromide and lithium carbonate in dimethylformamide.

Patent Citations (4)

Patent	Date	Inventor
US3629242	1971-12-01	Fried
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