Total synthesis of known progestationally active steroidal materials. The steroids can be synthesized depending on the particular starting reactants selected by employing as intermediates bicyclic compounds of the formula ##STR1## WHEREIN M IS AN INTEGER HAVING A VALUE OF 1 OR 2; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; Z is lower alkylenedioxy, CH(OR.sub.2) and carbonyl; R.sub.8 when taken alone is hydrogen; R.sub.9 when taken alone is lower alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxy-carbonyl, lower cycloalkyloxycarbo...

The tricyclic intermediate ##STR1## is prepared in a three step sequence from the bicyclic intermediate ##STR2## The key step of this process involves the addition of a Grignard reagent to a mixed anhydride. Tricyclic compound of formula (I) may be readily converted by known methods to valuable steroids.

Novel 4,5-seco-estrane-3,5,17-trione derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and K and K' are individually blocked ketones in the form of ketals which are intermediates for the preparation of therapeutically active steroids and their preparation and novel intermediates.

Novel 11.beta.-substituted-.DELTA..sup.9 -ene-5.alpha.-ols of the formula ##STR1## wherein K is a blocked ketone in the form of a ketal, thio-ketal or methyloxime, X is a pentagonal or hexagonal ring optionally substituted, R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of branched and straight chain alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, unsaturated alkyl of 2 to 8 carbon atoms optionally substituted, optionally substituted aryl of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, optionally substituted aralkyl of 7 to 13 carbon a...

Total synthesis of known progestationally active steroidal materials. The steroids can be synthesized depending on the particular starting reactants selected by employing as intermediates bicyclic compounds of the formula ##SPC1## Wherein m is an integer having a value of 1 or 2; R.sub.4 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; Z is lower alkylenedioxy, CH(OR.sub.2) and carbonyl; R.sub.8 when taken alone is hydrogen; R.sub.9 when taken alone is lower alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxy-carbonyl, lower cycloalkyloxycarbo...

The invention relates to a new and novel synthesis of prostaglandin E.sub.2, and it particularly relates to a novel process starting with relatively inexpensive starting materials. The invention further relates to a synthesis which is readily adaptable for large scale processing because of the high yields in the individual reaction steps. The invention further relates to novel compounds formed as intermediates in the synthesis of prostaglandin E.sub.2. The invention still further relates to synt...

Tertiary amines of formula 3 have a strong and prolonged spasmolytic effect, also after oral administration, on the smooth musculature of the tractus gastrointestinalis, the tractus urogenitalis and the bronchial system and have a low toxicity. The compounds can be synthetized according to methods known per se and been formulated to pharmaceutical compositions.

Racemic or optically-active prostaglandin E.sub.1 is synthesized from racemic or optically-active precursors in good yield at the various steps from 3.alpha., 6,7,7.alpha.-tetrahydro-4-methyl-2-oxo-1.beta.-indaneheptanoic acid methyl ester proceeding through 2.alpha.-(2-carboxyethyl)-3.beta.-hydroxy-5-oxo-1.beta.-cyclopentaneheptan oic acid methyl ester, .delta.-lactone, 5-cyclic ethylene acetal, 2.alpha.-(2-carboxy-2-formylethyl)-3.beta.-hydroxy-5-oxo-1.beta.-cyclopent aneheptanoic acid methyl ...

A process is described for producing trans-.DELTA..sup.9 -isoambrettolide from aleuritic acid in three reaction steps; first forming a dioxolane by treatment with an excess amount of an orthoformate or a dialkyl formamide dialkyl acetal; then forming the corresponding bengalene acid derivative by heating the dioxolane with acetic anhydride; and then cyclizing the resulting trans bengalene acid derivative by heating it, thereby yielding a high quality substantially pure or 100% pure trans-.DELTA....

9-Oxo-15-substituted prostanoic acids, and intermediates for their preparation and for the preparation of other known prostaglandins are disclosed. The final products have bronchodilatory activity.