Title of Invention	AZAHETEROCYCLYL DERIVATIVES OF ANDROSTANES AND ANDROSTENES AS MEDICAMENTS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
Abstract	Compounds of formula (I) wherein: the groups are as defined in the description, are useful for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, in particular heart failure and hypertension. The compounds are inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase. They are useful for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain, such as renal failure progression in autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), preeclamptic hypertension and proteinuria and renal failure progression in patients with adducin polymorphisms.

Title of Invention

AZAHETEROCYCLYL DERIVATIVES OF ANDROSTANES AND ANDROSTENES AS MEDICAMENTS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS

Abstract

Compounds of formula (I) wherein: the groups are as defined in the description, are useful for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, in particular heart failure and hypertension. The compounds are inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase. They are useful for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain, such as renal failure progression in autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), preeclamptic hypertension and proteinuria and renal failure progression in patients with adducin polymorphisms.

Full Text	Azaheterocvclyl derivatives of androstanes and androstenes as me- dicaments for cardiovascular disorders The present invention relates to new azaheterocyclyl derivatives at po- sition 3 of 5- and/or 6- and/or 7-substituted androstanes and androste- nes, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, such as heart failure and hypertension. Background of the Invention Cardiovascular diseases are still the first cause of morbidity and mor- tality in the western world; among these, hypertension and heart fail- ure are two frequent diseases. Hypertension is one of the most impor- tant cardiovascular risk factor and more than one third of population over 60 suffers from this disease. Congestive heart failure affects l-2% of the population and even 10% of the very elderly; the percentage is expected to rise (Sharpe, N. et al., The Lancet, 1998, 352 (suppl. 1), 3- 17). Beside, hypertension may be one of more important causes of heart failure in the elderly (Eur. Heart J., 2001, 22, 1527-1560). Although a number of effective drugs are available for the treatment of both hypertension and heart failure, further research is in progress to find more effective and safe compounds. Several drugs are used in combination for the treatment of heart fail- ure, and among positive inotropic agents, digoxin is the most pre- scribed digitalis cardiac glycoside that can improve the myocardial per- formance. A very well-known drawback of digitalis drugs is their ar- rhythmogenic side-effect. Evidence of digitalis toxicity emerges at two- to three-fold higher serum concentration than the therapeutic dose, such as disturbances of conduction and cardiac arrhythmias which are characteristics of digitalis toxicity (Hoffman, B. F.; Bigger, J. T. Digi- talis and Allied Cardiac Glycosides. In The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th ed.; Goodman Gilman, A.; Nies, A. S.; Rail, T. W.; Taylor, P., Eds.; Pergamon Press, New York, 1990, pp 814-839). The capability of the natural digitalis compounds to increase the myo- cardial force of contraction is strictly related to their cardenolide struc- ture having a 17β-lactone on a 14-hydroxy-5β, 14β-androstane skeleton. Description of the Prior Art In the field of steroidal derivatives some groups of compounds are re- ported to possess positive inotropic properties or other activities re- lated to the cardiovascular system. Particularly, within pregnane derivatives the following papers are in- teresting. GB 868,303 discloses pregnane-20-one derivatives possessing progesta- tional and antifibrillatory action. Other aminoalkylesters of 3β hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one derivatives are disclosed by GB 966,060. with anorectic, antiarrhythmic and antia- therogenic activities, and US 3.013,009, with eurithmic, anticonvul- sant, and antihypertensive activities. US 5,144,017 discloses "compounds that bind to the digitalis receptor" including androstane and pregnane derivatives. According to the in- ventors, the binding to the digitalis receptor parallels the ability to elicit characteristic cellular response. The inventors focus on the capa- bility of the different classes of steroids of yielding glycosides deriva- tives with typical digoxin-like actions on the heart as well as on other tissues, which seems to be important improve the toxicity of these compounds. Even though some androstane derivatives are reported, the more interesting compounds are 3-glycosides of pregnane deriva- tives. Pregnane guanyhydrazones with positive inotropic cardiac effect are reported by S. Schiitz, et al., Arzneimitlel-Forschung, 1969, 19, 69-75. Particularly relevant to the activity of these compounds is the guanyl- hydrazone substituent, since "replacement of the guanyl hydrazone groups by other related residues results in a loss of activity". Other pregnene-20-one derivatives, such as clormadinone acetate and megestrol acetate are reported to inhibit the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase but they were not "capable of eliciting an inotropic action by them- selves" (K. Temma, et al, Research. Comm. Chem. in Pathology and Pharmacology, 1983, 41, 51-63). In the field of 5α, 14α-androstane derivatives some groups of com- pounds are reported to possess positive inotropic properties.. GB 1,175.219 and US 3,580,905 disclose 3-(aminoalkoxycarbonylalkyle- ne)steroid derivatives which possess digitalis like activities with a ratio between the dose which produces toxic symptoms (onset of cardiac ar- rhythmias) and the effective dose comparable with such a ratio as measured for standard cardiac glycosides. Besides no clear advantage over digitalis glycosides, the compounds with the highest ratio produce the lowest increase in contractile force. 6-Hydroxy and 6-oxoandrostane derivatives are disclosed in EP 0 825 197 as ligands and inhibitors of Na+,K+-ATPase, and positive inotropic agents, possessing a lower toxicity when compared with digoxin, as evaluated on the basis of the acute toxicity in mice. The same com- pounds are also reported by S. De Munari, et ah, J. Med. Chem. 2003, 64, 3644-3654. The evidence that high levels of endogenous ouabain (EO), a closely re- lated isomer of ouabain, are implicated in human hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy and failure stimulated the pharmacological re- search for developing novel anti-hypertensive agents active as ouabain antagonists. The pathogenetic mechanisms through which increased EO levels affect cardiovascular system involve the modulation of Na-K ATPase, the key enzyme responsible for renal tubular sodium reab- sorption and the activation of signalling transduction pathways impli- cated in growth-related gene transcription. By studying both genetic and experimental rat models of hypertension and comparing them with humans, it has been demonstrated that elevated levels of circulating EO and the genetic polymorphism of the cytoskeletal protein adducin associate with hypertension and high renal Na-K pump activity. Oua bain itself induces hypertension and up-regulates renal Na-K pump when chronically infused at low doses into rats (OS). In renal cultured cells, either incubated for several days with nanomolar concentrations of ouabain or transfected with the hypertensive adducin genetic vari- ant, the Na-K pump results enhanced. Moreover, both EO and adducin polymorphism affect cardiac complications associated to hypertension, the former through the activation of a signalling transduction path- wax-. As a consequence, a compound able to interact with the cellular and molecular alterations, sustained by EO or mutated adducin, may represent the suitable treatment for those patients in whom these mechanisms are at work (Ferrandi M.. et al., Curr Pharm Des. 2005;ll(25):3301-5). As reported above, the crucial point of positive inotropic agents is the ability to discriminate between the potency in inducing an increase of myocardial force of contraction and the onset of cardiac arrhythmias. There is still a constant need to make available drugs showing a better therapeutic ratio and/or a longer duration of action, both of them im- portant factors for the compliance of patients. Preferably, the drugs can be administered by the oral route. Dehydroepiandrosterone 3β-aminoethers or aminoesters substituted in position 7 with a keto or optionally substituted alkoxy groups are dis- closed in US 2003/0054021 and WO 03/035023 A1 for the cosmetical or therapeutical treatments of cutaneous disorders related to keratinous afflictions. 3-Dialkylaminoethers and 3-dialkylaminothioethers of 3β-hydroxy-6α- methylandrostanes or of 3β-hydroxy-6-methyl-5-androstenes are dis- closed in US 3,210,386 as hypocholesterolemic and antiparasitic agents. Summary of the Invention It has now been found that 3-azaheterocyclyl derivatives of 5 and/or 6- and/or 7-substituted androstanes and androstenes meet the needs of to provide drugs with a better therapeutic ratio and/or longer duration of action. The compounds of the present invention show a higher efficacy and/or better therapeutic ratio and/or a longer duration of action; all these factors are important, for the compliance of patients. The compounds of the present invention have the general formula (I): wherein: A is CH-X, C=N-O, CR6 - CH=CH -, CR6-CH2, CR7 - XC=O, CR7 - XC(=O)X', wherein the left end carbon atom in any of these groups is at position 3 of the androstane ring; where: X and X', which can be the same or different, are O, S(O)x or NR8; R6 is hydrogen or hydroxy; R7 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl; R8 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl. x is the number 0 or 1 or 2; B is a C1-C4 straight: or branched alkylene or can be a single bond so that the A is directly linked to the nitrogen-containing hetero- cycle; Y is CH2, oxygen, sulphur or NR1, and when two R1 are present at the same time they can be the same or different; R1 is H. C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, or R1 is phenyl(C1- C4)straight or branched alkyl or C(=NR9)NHR10; R9 and R10. which can be the same or different, are H. C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, or R9 and R10 can be taken together with the nitrogen atoms and the guanidinic carbon atom to form an unsubstituted or substituted saturated or unsaturated mono heterocyc- lic 5- or 6-membered ring optionally containing another heteroatom se- lected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen; R2 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, ONO2, OR11; R11 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy or R11 is allyl or propargyl; when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are independently a double bond, R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are, O, with the meaning of a keto group, NOR12, or CR13R14; R12 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, optionally sub- stituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy groups, or R12 is allyl or propargyl; R13 and R14, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, or R13 and R14, which can be the same or dif- ferent, are allyl, propargyl, F, COOR15, CN, CONR16R17, or R13 and R14 taken together form a cycloalkylene substituent; R15 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy; R16 and R17, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, or R16 and R17 can optionally be taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a heterocyclic group; when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R8 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are independently single bonds, R3 and R4, which can be the same or different, are H. C1-C6-, straight or branched alkyl group, vinyl, ethynyl, COOR1. CN. CONR16R1; OR18, ONO2. NHCHO, NHCOCH3. CH=N-OH, spirocyclopropane. spirooxirane, where the alkyl group can be optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy; R15, R16, and R17 are as above defined. R15 is H. C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy; R5 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group or C2-C6 acyl group when the bond — in position 17 of the androstane skeleton is a single bond and, as a consequence, the remaining substituent in posi- tion 17 is H, and R5 is not present when the bond — in position 17 is a double bond with the meaning of a keto group; n is the number 0 or 1 or 2 or 3; m is the number 0 or 1 or 2 or 3; R15 R16, and R17, when present in the same compound in differ- ent positions, can be the same or different, the symbol - is an α or β single bond or an E or Z diastereoi- somer when it is linked to a double bond, the symbol — in positions 4. 5, 6, 7, and 17 is, independently, a single or double bond, and when it is a single exocyclic bond in posi- tions 6, 7, or 17, it can be an a or β single bond; with the following provisos: when A is CR7 XC=O, or CR8 -XC=OX' wherein R7 and R8 are hydrogen, X is oxygen and X' is O or NH, and when A is CH X, wherein X is oxygen, the symbol — in position 6 linking R3 is a single bond or when the symbol — in position 6 linking R3 is a double bond R4 is not oxygen, with the symbol — in position 7 linking R4 meaning a double bond, or R4 is not OR18, with the symbol — in position 7 link- ing R4 meaning a single bond, that at least one of R2, R3 and R4 in the same structure is not hydrogen. Where the compounds of formula (I) can exhibit tautomerism, the for- mula is intended to cover all tautomers; the invention includes within its scope all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical iso- mers and their mixtures, the metabolites and the metabolic precursors of compound of formula (I). In the context of the present invention metabolite and metabolic pre- cursor means active metabolite and metabolic precursor, namely a compound of formula (I) which has been trasnformed by a metabolic reaction, but substantially maintains or increases the pharmacological activity. Examples of metabolites or metabolic precursors are hydroxylated, carboxylated. sulphonated. glycosylated, glycuronated. methylated or demethylated oxidated or reduced derivatives of the compounds of for- mula (I). Some compounds of formula (I) can also be prodrugs of the active forms. Also the pharmaceutical acceptable salts are included in the scope of the invention. Pharmaceutical acceptable salts are salts which retain the biological activity of the base and are derived from such known pharmacologi- cally acceptable acids such as, e. g., hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, nitric, fumaric. succinic, oxalic, malic, tartaric, maleic, cit- ric, methanesulfonic or benzoic acid and others commonly used in the art. The C1-C6 alkyl groups may be branched, straight chain or cyclic groups, e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n butyl, t-butyl, cyclopen- tyl or cyclohexyl. The C1-C4 alkylene is preferably methylene, ethylene, trimethylene, propylene, tetramethylene or dimethylethylene. The C2-C6; acyl groups may branched or straight or cyclic chain groups and preferably are acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, pivaloyl. cyclopentane- carbonyl. Further object of the present invention is the use of said compounds of general formula (I) as medicament, in particular in the preparation of a medicament useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and hypertension. Detailed Description of the Invention According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbols R2 and R4 represent H. the symbol R3 represents oxygen, with the meaning of keto, methylene, difluoromethylene, hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, when the symbols — in position 6 linking R3 and in position 17 repre- sent a double bond, while the other symbols — represent single pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinvloxyimino, 3α- [3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α- [3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)- yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)- (Z)-vinyl]. 3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbols R- and R4 repre- sent H, the symbol R3 represents α-hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α- methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl. α-(2-hydroxyethyl), α-methoxy- methyl. α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, β- hydroxy, the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond while the other symbols (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3- pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)- pyrrulidinylthio] ,3α- [3-(R.>-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α- [2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl], 3α-[2- (pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2- (piperidin-4-yl)_(Z)-vinyl]. In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy- droxy, the symbol R4 represents H, the symbol R3 represents oxygen, with the meaning of keto, methylene, difluoromethylene. hydroxy- imino, methoxyimino, when the symbols — in position 6 linking R3 pyrrolidinyl-oxyjimino. (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino. 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS.)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)- yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)- (Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy- droxy, the symbols R4 represent H, the symbol R3 represents α- hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl. α-methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxy- methyl, a methoxymethyl, α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, the represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)- pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α- [3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2- lpyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-viny]]. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2- (piperidiir4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. In i\ fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbols R2 and R3 repre- sent H. the symbol R4 represents oxygen, with the meaning of keto. methylene, difluoromethylene. hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, when the symbols in position 7 linking R1 and in position 17 represent a pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimi- no, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2- (pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2- (piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. In a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbols R2 and R3 repre- sent H, the symbol R4 represents α-hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α- methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl, α-methoxymethyl, α-nitroxy, α- formylamino, α-ethynyl, β-hydroxy. β-methyl, β-carbamoyl, β- methoxycarbonyl, β-hydroxymethyl, β-methoxymethyl, β-nitroxy, β- formylamino, β-ethynyl, the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, 3- azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)- yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)- (Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. In a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy- droxy, the symbols R represent H. the symbol Rl represents oxygen. with the meaning of keto. methylene, hydroxyimino, methoxyimino. when the symbol — in position 7 linking R4 and in position 17 repre- pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio\| ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]. 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)- yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)- (Z)-vinyl].3α-[2-(piperidin-4yl)-(Z)-vinyl\|. In an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy- droxy, the symbols R3 represent H, the symbol R4 represents α- hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α-methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl, α-methoxymethyl. α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, β-methyl, β- carbamoyl, β-methoxycarbonyl. β-hydroxymethyl, β-methoxymethyl, β- nitroxy, β-formylamino, β-ethynyl, the symbol — in position 17 repre- pyrrolidinyloxy)imino. (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino. (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-lRS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R.)- yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)- (Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. In an ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy- droxy, the symbols R3 and R4 represent H, the symbol — in position pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthiol ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)- yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(azeridin-3-yl)- (Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyll. In a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com- pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R- represents H, the symbols R3 represents α-hydroxy methyl, and R4 represents α- hydroxy or keto, when the symbol — in position 17 represents a dou- rolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyr- rolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3- (S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)- (Z)-vinyl]. Preferred examples of specific compounds (I) of the present invention are: EZ 3-(R-3-pyn-olidinyloxy)imino-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy )imino-6-met hyleneandrostane-17-one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)immo-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxwmo)-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one. 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one. 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one. 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3_(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z.)-vinyl]-6_methyleneandrostane-17-one. and the corresponding (3-oxo. 6-difluoromethylene. (3-hydroxyimino and 6-methoxyimino derivatives; EZ 3 (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-6α-methylandrostane-17-one. 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidin3'lthio]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one. 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α- methylandrostane- 17-one, and the corresponding 6α-hydroxy, 6α-carbamoyl, 6α-methoxycarbonyl, 6a-hydroxymethyl. 6α-(2-hydroxyethyl), 6α-methoxy methyl, 6α- nitroxy, 6α-formylamino, 6α- ethynyl. 6β-hydroxy derivatives; EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostan-17- one. EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostan-17- one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostan- 17-one. EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostan-17-one, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane- 17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z.)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane- 17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17- one. 3α_[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17- one, and the corresponding 6-oxo, 6-difluoromethylene, 6-hydroxyimino and 6-raethoxyimino derivatives; EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-5α-methylandrostan-17- one, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostan-17- one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostan-17- one, EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostan- 17-one, 3α- [3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane- 17-one. 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane- 17-one. 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane- 17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane-17- one. 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5a hydroxy-6α-methylandrosl;ane- 17- one. and the corresponding 6α-carbamoyl, 6v-methoxycarbonyl, 6α- hydroxymethyl, 6α-methoxymethyl, 6α-nitroxy, 6α-formylamino, 6α- ethynyl derivatives; EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7-methyleneandrostan-17-one, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7-methyleneandrostan-17-one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino 7-methyleneandrostan -17-one, EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-7-methyleneandrostan-17-one. 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrroliclinylthio]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7-methyleneandrostant-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinvl]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one, and the corresponding 7-oxo, 7-ditluoromethylene, 7-hydroxyimino and 7-methoxyimino derivatives; EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7α-methylandrostan-17-one, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7α-methylandrostan- 17-one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7α-methylandrostan-17-one. EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-7α-methylandrostan-17-one, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one. 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one, and the corresponding 7α-hydroxy, 7α-carbamoyl, 7α-methoxycarbonyl, 7α-hydroxymethyl, 7α-methoxymethyl, 7α-nitroxy, 7α-forrnylamino, 7α-ethynyl and 7β-hydroxy, 7β-methyl, 7β-carbamoyl. 7β-methoxy- carbonyl, 7β-hydroxymethyl, 7β-methoxymethyl, 7β-nitroxy, 7β-formyl- amino, 7β-ethynyl derivatives; EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostan-17- one, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostan-17- one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostan- 17-one. EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostan-17-one, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7 methyleneandrostane-17-one. 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane- 17-one. 3α-[2-(pvrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane- 17-one. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-17- one. 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-17- one. and the corresponding 7-hydroxyimino and 7-methoxyimino deriva- tives; EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostan- 17- one. EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostan-17- one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostan- 17- one, EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostan-17-one, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-17-one. 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane- 17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane- 17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-17- one, 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrastane-17- one. and the corresponding 7α-carbamoyl, 7α-methoxycarbonyl, 7α- hydroxymethyl, 7α-methoxymethyl, 7α-nitroxy, 7α-formylamino, 7α- ethynyl and 7β-carbamoyl, 7β-methoxycarbonyl, 7β-hydroxymethyl, 7β- methoxyraethyl, 7β-nitroxy, 7β-formylamino, 7β-ethynyl derivatives; EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one. EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one, 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one. 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxyandro8tane-17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one, 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one, EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17- dione, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17- dione. EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17- dione. EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-dione, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymetylandro8tane-7,17-dione. 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymetylandro8tane-7,17-dione, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-dione, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17- dione, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17- dione, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxyraetylandrostane-7,17-dione, 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl.)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17- dione, EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane- 17-one, EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane- 17-one, EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane- 17-one, EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane- 17-one, 3α_[3_(S)-pyrrolidinylthia]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane- 17-one. 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane- 17-one. 3α-[3_(RS)-pyrroidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane- 17-one. 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane- 17-one, 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane- 17-one, 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane-17-one, 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane- 17-one, and the corresponding pure E and Z isomers of the EZ mixtures re- ported above. The invention furthermore provides a process for the preparation of compounds of general formula (I) starting from compounds of general formula (II) where the symhols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined above and Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O) when the symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond or, when the symbols are single bonds, Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8. CHO or a leaving group when Z is hydrogen, or Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8 when Z is C1-C6; straight or branched alkyt group. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R-, R3, R4, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is C=N O can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=0), when the symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond, by reaction with compounds of gen- eral formula (III), where R1, B, Y, m and n have the meanings defined above, in the form of the free base or of a salt, such as, for example, dihydrochloride, in a solvent such as dioxane. tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or po- tassium hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobiomic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium acetate, sodium or potassium phosphate, disodium or dipotassium hy- drogenphosphate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphosphate. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R-, R3, R4, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CR6 CH=CH , CR6 CH2, where R6 is hydroxy, can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=0), when the symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond, by reaction with compounds of general for- mula (IV) and (V) where B, Y, m, and n have the meanings defined above, Met is a metal atom and T is nothing, halogen or a different metal atom depending on the oxidation state of the Met metal atom, such as, for example, Li, MgCl, MgBr, Mgl, and CuLi and W is R1N or PGN, where R1 is straight, or branched alkyl or phenylalkyi. and PG is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl, Boc. Cbz, acetyl, to give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transformation of the protecting group. The organometallic reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1.2-dimethoxyethane, diethyl ether, hex- ane, toluene or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from -70 °C and the reflux temperature. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of transition metal salts, such as, for example, Li2CuCl4, CeCl3. When W contains a protective group, the protective group can be re- moved after the organometallic reaction according to well established procedures described in organic chemistry, to give compounds of gen- eral formula (I). Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, where X is NR8, can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O) when the symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond by reaction with compounds of general formula (VI), where W is R1N or PGN, and R1. PG, Y. m. n, R8. and B have the mean- ings defined above, in the form of the free base or of a salt, in a solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran. 1,2-dimethoxyethane, methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures, at a tem- perature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature, in the presence of a reducing agent, such as, for example, sodium borohydride or so- dium cyanoborohydride. The reaction may be carried out in the pres- ence of a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or po- tassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium acetate, sodium or potassium phos- phate, disodium or dipotassium hydrogenphosphate, sodium or potas- sium dihydrogenphosphate, until the desired pH is reached. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R-, R3, R4, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, where X is O, S or NR8, can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8, when Z is hydrogen by reaction with compounds of general formula (VII), where W is R1N or PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined above. PG is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl, Boc, Cbz, acetyl, to give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transforma- tion of the group PGN, and LG is a leaving group, such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, mesyloxy, β-toluensulfonyloxy, trifluoromethane- sulfonyloxy. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane. tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-diinethoxyethane, N.N- dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, toluene, or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. The reac- tion can be carried out in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, so- dium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium or potassium hydride, sodium or potassium methoxide, sodium or potassium tert-butoxide, and, optionally, of a salt, such as, for example, sodium or potassium io- dide. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of organic sol- vent, such as, for example, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, toluene, hexane, and water, in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary ammonium salt, such as, for example, tetrabu- tylammonium chloride or bromide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the mix- ture. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, where X is O, S or NR8, can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q is a leaving group such as, for example, chloro. bromo. iodo, mesy- loxy, β-toluensulfonyloxy. trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy. and Z is hydro- gen, by reaction with compounds of general formula (VIII), where W is R1N, PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined above, PG is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl, Boc, Cbz, acetyl, and X is O, S or NR8, where Rs is as defined above, to give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transformation of the group PGN. The reaction can be carried out in the same conditions reported above for the reaction of compounds of general formula (II) with compounds of general formula (VII). Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1. R2, R3, R4, R5. B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CR CH=CH . where R" is hydrogen, can be obtained from com- pounds of general formula (II) where Q is CHO and Z is hydrogen, by reaction with compounds of general formula (IX), where W is R1N, PGN, and R1. Y, m, n, and B are as defined above, PG is a protective group, such as. for example, benzyl, Boc, Cbz, acetyl, R19 is a C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl or aryl, such as, for example, methyl, n-butyl. phenyl, o-tolyl, and Hal is a halogen, such as, for ex- ample, chloro, bromo, iodo. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, toluene, or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from -78 °C and the reflux temperature. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydride, sodium or po- tassium methoxide, sodium or potassium tert-butoxide. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of organic solvent, such as, for ex- ample, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, toluene, hexane, and water, in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary am- monium salt, such as, for example, tetrabutylammonium chloride or bromide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the mixture. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1. R2, R3, RJ, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CR7— XC=O, where R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, X is O, S, or NR8 can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8 and Z is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group by reaction with compounds of general formula (X), where W is R1N. PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined above, PG is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl, Boc, Cbz, acetyl, to give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transformation of the group PGN. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1.2-dimethoxyethane, toluene, acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, chloroform. N.N-dimethyl- formamide, dimethylsulfoxide, water or their mixtures, at a tempera- ture ranging from -30 °C and the reflux temperature, in the presence of a condensing reagent such as, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, N- ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodi-imide hydrochloride. SOCI2 POCl3, or PCl5, or compounds of formula (X) can be treated previously with SOCl2, POCl3, PCl5, optionally in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium car- bonate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, triethylamine, pyri- dine, or 4-dimethylammopyridine. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CR7 X(C=O)X', where R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6; straight or branched alkyl group, X is O. S, or NR8, and X' is NH can be obtained from com- pounds of formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8 and Z is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group by reaction with compounds of general formula (XI). where W is R!N, PGN, and R1. Y, m, n, and B are as defined above, PG is a protective group, such as. for example, benzyl, Boc. Cbz. acetyl, to give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transformation of the group PGN. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, toluene, acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, chloroform, N.N-dimethyl- formamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol, methanol, water or their mix- tures, at a temperature ranging from -30 °C and the reflux tempera- ture. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1. R2, R3, R4, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CR7 X(C=O)X', where R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group. X is O, S. or NR8, and X' is O, S, NR8 can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, mercapto. NHRS and Z is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group by reaction with compounds of general formula (XII), where W is R1N, PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, B and X' are as defined above, PG is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl. Boc, Cbz, acetyl, to give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transforma- tion of the group PGN. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane. toluene, acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, chloroform, N,N- dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, or their mixtures, at a tem- perature ranging from -60 °C and the reflux temperature using a car- bonyl donating group, such as, for example, carbonyldiimidazole, phos- gene, triphosgene, in the presence of a base, such as, for example, so- dium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, triethylamine, pyridine, or 4- dimethylaminopyridine. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, CR7 XC=O, CR7 XC(=O)X'. where X and X' are NR8, and R8 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group. can be obtained from compounds of formula (I) where A is CH X. CR7 XC=O, CR7 XC(=O)X', where X and X' are NH, by alkylation with a C1-C6 alkyl-LG, where LG is a leaving group, such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, mesyloxy, β- toluensulfonyloxy, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofu- ran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane. N,N-dimethylformamide. dimethylsulfoxide. toluene, or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature, optionally in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbon- ate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium or potassium hy- dride, sodium or potassium methoxide, sodium or potassium tert- butoxide, and, optionally, of a salt, such as, for example, sodium or po- tassium iodide. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of or- ganic solvent, such as, for example, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, toluene, hexane, and water, in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary ammonium salt, such as, for example, tetrabutylammonium chloride or bromide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the mixture. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R"2, R3, R4, R5, B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X. where X is NR8, and R8 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, can be ob- tained from compounds of formula (I) where A is CH X, and X is NH. by reaction with CH2O, or C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl-CHO in a solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane. methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature, in the presence of a reducing agent, such as, for example, sodium borohydride or sodium cyanoborohydride. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarhonnte, or of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium acetate, sodium or potassium phos- phate, disodium or dipotassium hydrogenphosphate, sodium or potas- sium dihydrogenphosphate, until the desired pH is leached. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1. R2, R3, R4, R5, B and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, where X is S(O)x and x is 1 or 2, can be obtained from compounds of formula (I) where A is CH X, where X is S(O)x and x is 0, by one of the reagents reported in the literature for such a kind of oxidation, such as, for ex- ample, hydrogen peroxide, sodium metaperiodate. tert-butyl hypochlo- rite, sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite, sodium perborate, N- methylmorpholine-N-oxide and tetrapropylammonium periodate, po- tassium hydrogen persulfate, and peracids; according to the reaction conditions, that is temperature and equivalents of oxidant, the oxida- tion can give the compounds of general formula (I) above described where X is 1 or 2. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and Y, have the meanings defined above, and — is a single bond can be obtained by reduction of the corresponding compounds of general formula (I) where the symbol — is double bond, by catalytic hydrogenation, either with hydrogen gas or in hydrogen transfer condi tions, in the presence of a metal catalyst, such as, Pd/C, PtO2, Pt, Pt/C. Raney Nickel. As a hydrogen transfer reagent, ammonium formate, so- dium hypophosphite or cyclohexadiene can be used. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent, such as. for example, ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetic acid, N,N-dimethyl- formamide, water or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature, at a pressure ranging from atmospheric pressure to 10 atm. According to the substrate and the conditions used, the hydrogenation can selectively affect one or more double bonds. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols B, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Y, and — have the meanings defined above, and A is CR6 CH=CH , CR6CH2, where R6 is hydrogen, can be obtained from the corresponding compounds of general formula (I) where R6 is hydroxy by deoxygenation with one of the methods reported in litera- ture for such a kind of reaction, such as, for example, reaction with thiocarbonyldiimidazole and tri-n-butylstannane, carbon disulfide in the presence of a base followed by methyl iodide and treatment with tri-n-butylstannane, NaBH3CN and ZnI2, NaBH4 in acetic acid. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B. R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Y, and — have the meanings defined above, R1 is C(=NR9)NHR10, where R9 and R10 have the meanings reported above, can be obtained from the corresponding compounds of general formula (I) where R1 is hydrogen, by reaction with compounds of general for- mula (XIII) where R9 and R10 have the meanings reported above and T is a leaving group, such as, for example, methylthio, 1-pyrazolyl. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2- dimethoxyethane, methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature, optionally in the presence of a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, triethylamine. diethylisopropylamine. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R5, Y, and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independ- ently, are N OR12 when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in po- sition 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in po- sition 7 with R4, independently, are double bonds, can be obtained from the corresponding compounds of general formula (I) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are O, with the meaning of a keto group, with one of the methods reported in literature for such re- actions, such as. for example, by reaction with compounds of general formula H2NOR12 where R12 has the meanings defined above, in the form of the free base or of a salt, such as, for example, hydrochloride, in a solvent such as dioxane. tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, methanol, ethanol. N,N-dimethylformamide. pyridine, water or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux tempera- ture. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, so- dium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydro- chloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium acetate, sodium or potassium phosphate, disodium or di- potassium hydrogenphosphate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphos- phate. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R5, Y, and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independ- ently, are CR13R14 when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi- tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi- tion 7 with R4 are double bonds, can be obtained from the correspond- ing compounds of general formula (I) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are O, with the meaning of a keto group, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, by reaction with compounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV), where R13, R14, and R19 are as defined above and Hal is a halogen, such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo. The reaction with compounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV) can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, toluene, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, n pentane or their mix- tures, at, a temperature ranging from -78 °C and the reflux tempera- ture. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a base, such as. for example, sodium or potassium hydride, sodium or potassium methox- ide, sodium or potassium tert-butoxide. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of organic solvent, such as, for examplwater, in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary ammo- nium salt, such as, for example, tetrabutylammonium e, dichloro- methane, chlorobenzene, toluene, hexane, pentane and chloride or bro- mide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the mixture. The reaction with com- pounds of general formula (XV) can be carried out also in water or in a mixture of the above mentioned solvents with water, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. These reactions can be carried out in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate. sodium or potassium carbonate, triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, option- ally in the presence of a salt, such as lithium chloride. Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R5, Y. and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independ- ently, are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups substituted with a hydroxy group, in particular are hydroxymethyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from the corresponding compounds of general formula (I) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are CR13R14, where R13 and R14 are hydrogens, when the bonds — linking the car- bon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the car- bon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, with one of the meth- ods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, by reaction with a borane, such as, for example, borane, or its complexes with dimethylamine or dimethylsulfide, 9-borabicyclononane, diisopi- nocanphenylborane, diisoamylborane, in an ethereal solvent, such as. for example, diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxy- ethane, followed by treatment with an alkaline aqueous hydrogen per- oxide solution or sodium perborate. With the same methods, also compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R3, Y. and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independently, are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups substituted with a hydroxy group, in particular are hy- droxyethyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from the corresponding com- pounds of general formula (I) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are vinyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds. Compounds of general formula (I) where the substituents R3 and R4, independently, are vinyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the andro- stane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained by reaction of compounds of general for- mula (I) where R3 and R4, independently, are CHO, with methyl- triphenylphosphonium chloride or bromide or iodide by using the same reaction conditions above described involving compounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV). Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R5, Y. and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independ- ently, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are O, with the meaning of a keto group, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi- tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi- tion 7 with R4 are double bonds, can be obtained from the correspond- ing compounds of general formula (I) where R1 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are hydroxy, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, with one of the re- agents reported in literature for such oxidations, such as. for example, iodoxybenzoic acid, Dess-Martin periodinane. oxalyl chloride and triethylamine, CrO3 in pyridine or in sulfuric acid and acetone, pyridin- ium chlorochromate, pyridinium dichromate. Compounds of general formula (II), as defined above, can be prepared starting from known compounds with proper functionality in the dif- ferent, positions, already reported in the literature or from commer- cially available compounds, such as, for example, 3β-hydroxyandrost-5- en-17-one, 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione, following the general procedures listed below. The following list of compounds is an example, not limiting the scope of the invention, of reported methods of prepara- tion of compounds (II): androstane-3,6,17-trione, 6α-hydroxyandrosta- ne-3.17-dione, 6β-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione, 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylenedioxy)androstan-6α-ol, and 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylenedioxy)- androstan-6-one reported in S. De Munari et al, J. Med. Chem., 2003, 3644; 3β- acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione in E. S. Arsenou et al., Ster- oids 68 (2003) 407-4143; 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-5-androsten-7-one in Pui-Kai Li and R. W. Brueggemeier, J.Med.Chem. 1990, 33, 101-105. Compounds of general formula (II), where R2 and R4 are, independ- ently, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, can be prepared from com- pounds of general formula (II), where R2 and R4 are hydrogen and R3 is oxygen, when the symbol — linking R3 to the androstane skeleton is double bond, the symbol — linking R4 to the androstane skeleton is single bond and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are sin- gle bonds, by treatment with a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydride, sodium or potassium methoxide, sodium or potas- sium tert-butoxide, lithium diisopropylamide in a solvent such as di- ethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, toluene, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from -78 oC and the reflux temperature, followed by quenching with a C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl-LG, where LG is a leaving group, such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, mesyloxy, p- toluensulfonyloxy, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy, at a temperature rang- ing from -78 °C and the reflux temperature. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of organic solvent, such as, for example, di- chloromethane, chlorobenzene. toluene, hexane, and water, in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary ammo- nium salt, such as, for example, tetrabutylammonium chloride or bro- mide or iodide or hydrogensulfate. at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the mixture. By using the same reactions reported above, compounds of general formula (II). where R3 is C1-C6, straight or branched alkyl. can be pre- pared by treatment of the corresponding compounds of general formula (II), where R3 is hydrogen and R4 is oxygen, when the symbol — link- ing R3 to the androstane skeleton is single bond, the symbol — link- ing R1 to the androstane skeleton is double bond and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds. Compounds of general formula (II) where R2 is OR11, can be obtained by treatment of compound of general formula (II). where R2 is hydroxy, when the symbols — in positions 4-5 and 5-6, are single bonds, with compounds of general formula R11-LG, where LG is a leaving group, such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, mesyloxy, p-toluen- sulfonyloxy, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2- dimethoxyethane, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, toluene, or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature, optionally in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, so dium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium or potassium hydride, sodium or potassium methoxide, sodium or potassium tertbutoxide, and, optionally, of a salt, such as, for example, sodium or potassium io- dide. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of organic sol- vent, such as. for example, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, toluene, hexane, and water, in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary ammonium salt, such as, for example, tetrabtylam- monium chloride or bromide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a tem- perature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the mixture. By using the same reactions reported above, compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4 are, independently, OR18, can be obtained by treatment of compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4 are hydroxy, when the symbols — in positions 4-5. 5-6, and 6-7, are single bonds, with compounds of general formula R18-LG. By using the same reactions reported above, compounds of general formula (II) where R5 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, can be obtained by treatment of compounds of general formula (II) where R' is H, when the symbol — in positions 17 is single bond, with compounds of general formula C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl-LG. Compounds of general formula (II) where R2, R3, and R4 are, independ- ently, ONO2 can be obtained by treatment of compounds of general formula (II), where R2, R3, and R4 are, independently, hydroxy, when the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, with ni- tric acid in acetic anhydride or acetic acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid in dichloromethane. nitrosyl fluoride or tetrafluoborate in acetonitrile. Compounds of general formula (II), where the substituents R3 and R4, independently, are NOR12, where the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, can be obtained by treat- ment of compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4 are, inde- pendently, oxygen, with the meaning of keto groups, being R3 and R4 the same or different, by reaction with compounds of general formula H2NOR12, where R12 has the meanings defined above, in the form of the free base or of a salt, such as. for example, hydrochloride, in a solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran. 1.2-dimethoxyethane, methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures, at a tem- perature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium or potas- sium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydro- bromic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium ace- tate, sodium or potassium phosphate, disodium or dipotassium hydro- genphosphate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphosphate. Compounds of general formula (II). where the substituents R3 and R4. independently, are CR13R14, and the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the symbols — in positions 4-5. 5-6. and 6-7 are single bonds, can be obtained by reaction of com- pounds of general formula (II)where R3 and R4 are, independently, oxy- gen, with the meaning of keto groups, being R3 and R4 the same or dif- ferent, with compounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV), where R13, R14, and R19 are as defined above and Hal is a halogen, such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, in the same reaction conditions above described for the compounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV). Compounds of general formula (II) where the substituents R3 and R4, independently, are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups substituted with a hydroxy group, in particular are hydroxymethyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R1 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R1 the same or different, are CR13R14, where R13 and R14 are hydrogens, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, with a borane, such as, for example, borane, or its complexes with dimethyl- amine or dimethylsulfide. 9-borabicyclononane, diisopinocanphenylbo- rane, diisoamylborane, in an ethereal solvent, such as, for example, di- ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, followed by treatment with an alkaline aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution or sodium perborate. With the same methods, also compounds of general formula (II) in which the substituents R3 and R1. independently, are C1-C6, straight or branched alkyl groups substituted with a hydroxy group, in particular are hydroxyethyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi- tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi- tion 7 with R1 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or dif- ferent, are vinyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi- tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi- tion 7 with R4 are single bonds. Compounds of general formula (II) where the substituents R3 and R4, independently, are vinyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained by reaction of com- pounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R5, independently, are CHO, with methyltriphenylphosphonium chloride or bromide or iodide by using the same reaction conditions above described involving com- pounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV). Compounds of general formula (II) where the substituents R3 and R4, independently, are ethynyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained by reaction of compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, independently, are CHO. with chloromethyltriphenylphosphonium chloride or bromide or iodide and n-butyllithium from -78 oC to room temperature followed by further treatment with n-butyllithium. Compounds of general formula (II) where the substituents R3 and R4, independently, are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are CR13R14, where R13 and R14 are hydrogen or C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl groups, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the andro- stane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as by catalytic hydrogenation. in the reaction conditions described above for a similar transformation of compounds of general formula (I). Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently, are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups, in particular methyl and ethyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are hy- droxymethyl and 2-hydroxyethyl with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as treatment with mesyl or tosyl- chloride. in the presence of a base, followed by reduction with a hy- dride, such as, for example, sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum- hydride, or hydroxy by deoxygenation with one of the methods reported in literature for such a kind of reaction, such as, for example, reaction with thiocarbonyldiimidazole and tri-n-butylstannane, carbon disulfide in the presence of a base followed by methyl iodide and treatment with tri-n-butylstannane, NaBH3CN and ZnI2, NaBH4 in acetic acid. Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently, are COOR15, where R15 is hydrogen, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are hydroxymethyl, by oxidation with one of the reagents reported in literature for such oxidations, such as, for ex- ample, iodoxybenzoic acid, Dess-Martin periodinane, oxalyl chloride and triethylamine and dimethylsulfoxide in methylene chloride, CrO3 in pyridine or in sulfuric acid and acetone, pyridinium chlorochromate. pyridinium dichromate. to give the intermediate aldehyde, where R3 and R4, independently, are CHO. followed by further oxidation to the carboxylic acid with one of the reagents reported in literature for such oxidations, such as, for example, potassium permanganate, chromic anhydride in sulfuric acid/acetone, pyridinium dichromate in N,N- dimethylformamide. Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently, are COOR15 or CONR16R17, where R15 is a C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group and R16 and R17 are as above defined, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, be- ing R3 and R4 the same or different, are COOH, by treatment with a compound of general formula R15OH or HNR16R17 with one of the methods reported in literature for such transformations, such as, for example, condensation in the presence of a condensing reagent such as. N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)car- bodiimide hydrochloride, SOCl2 POCl3, or PCl5, or compounds of for- mula (II) can be treated previously with SOCl2, POCl3, PCl5. optionally in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hy- drogencarbonate, triethylamine, pyridine, or 4-dimethylaminopyridine. Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently, are CONR16R17, where and R16 and R17 are as above defined, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are COOR15, where R15 is a C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, by treatment with a compound of general formula HNR16R17 with one of the methods re- ported in literature for such transformations, such as, for example, in water, methanol or ethanol, eventually in the presence of a catalytic amount, of sodium methoxide. Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4. independently, are CH=N-OH. when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi- tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi- tion 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or dif- ferent, are CHO, by treatment with hydroxylamine as the free base or in the form of a salt, such as hydrochloride, sulfate, phosphate, in a solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide. water or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potas- sium hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hy- drobromic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium acetate, sodium or potassium phosphate, disodium or dipotassium hy- drogenphosphate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphosphate. Compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4, independently, are CN, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general for- mula (II) where where R3 and R4 are oxygen, with the meaning of keto groups, being R3 and R4 the same or different, where the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, with one of the methods reported in literature for such transformations, such as, for example, treatment with tosylmethyl isocyanide in the presence of a base. Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently, are NHCHO and NHCOCH3. when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from com- pounds of general formula (II) where where R3 and R1 are NOR1-. where R12 is hydrogen, being R3 and R4 the same or different, where the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6. and 6-7 are single bonds, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reduc- tions, such as, for example, treatment with lithium aluminumhydride, catalytic hydrogenation, or sodium or lithium or magnesium in an al- cohol, followed by formylation with formic acid or acetylation with ace- tic anhydride, optionally in the presence of a base, such as, for exam- ple, triethylamine, pyridine, or 4-dimethylaminopyridine or acetic acid in the presence of a condensing agent, such as, for example. N.N'- dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodii- mide hydrochloride. Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently, are spiroxirane, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi- tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi- tion 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4 are CR13R14, where R13 and R14 are hydrogen, being R3 and R4 the same or different, where the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, with one of the reagents reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example perbenzoic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, magnesium perphthalate, perphthalic acid, peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide in acetonitrile. Compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4, independently, are spirooxirane, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi- tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi- tion 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, independently, are 0, with the meaning of keto groups, where the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 the androstane skeleton with R4 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, being R3 and R4 the same or dif- ferent, and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, with one of the reagents reported in literature for such reac- tions, such as, for example trimethylsulfonium iodide or trimethylsul- foxonium iodide in the presence of a base, such as sodium hydride, so- dium methoxide, potassium tert-butoxide. Compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4, independently, are spirocyclopropane, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4 are CR13R14, where R13 and R14 are hydrogen, being R3 and R4 the same or different, where the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, with one of the reagents reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, diiodomethane and diethyltin or tin-copper alloy. Compounds of general formula (II) where R5 is C2-C6 acyl group, when the bond — in position 17 of the androstane skeleton is a single bond, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R5 is hydrogen, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reac- tions, such as. for example, by reaction with compounds of general for- mula C1-C5, straight or branched alkyl-COOH in the presence of a con- densing reagent such as, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, N-ethyl-N'-(3- dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride, SOCl2 POCl3, or PCl5, or compounds of formula C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl-COOH can be treated previously with SOCl2, POCl3, PCl5. optionally in the presence of a base, such as. for example, sodium or potassium hydrox- ide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogen- carbonate, triethylamine, pyridine, or 4 dimethylamino-pyridine. Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is mercapto. where the symbols R2, R3, R4, R5 and — have the meanings defined above and Z is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, by reaction with thiocarboxylic acids, such as thioacetic acid, in the presence of diethyl or diisopropyl azodicarboxylate and tributyl- phosphine or triphenylphosphine, followed by cleavage of the thioester group with ammonia, sodium methanethiolate or propanethiolate. Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is NHR8. where the sym- bols R2, R3, R4, R5, R8, and — have the meanings defined above and Z is hydrogen, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), when the symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, by reaction with compounds of general formula NH2R8 in the presence of a reducing agent, such as, for example, sodium borohydride or so- dium cyanoborohydride at the appropriate pH. Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is NHR8, where the sym- bols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined above, R8 is hy- drogen and Z is hydrogen, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), when the symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as. for example, by reaction with compounds of general formula HONH2 to give the oxime followed by reduction with a reducing agent, such as, for example, sodium in an alcohol, lithium aluminumhydride, or by hydrogenation over a metal catalyst, such as, for example, Pt, Pd or Raney Nickel. Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is CHO, where the symbols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined above and Z is hy- drogen, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), when the symbols art- taken together with the meaning of double bond, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, by reaction with methoxymethyl triphenylphosphonium chloride in the presence of a strong base, such as. for example, sodium hydride or po- tassium tert-butoxide, followed by acidic hydrolysis of the intermediate methyl enolether; by reaction with trimethylsulfonium iodide or trimethylsulfoxonium iodide in the presence of a base, such as sodium hydride, sodium methoxide, potassium tert-butoxide followed by treatment with boron trifluoride etherate; by reaction with methyl- triphenylphosphonium iodide in the presence of a base, such as sodium hydride, sodium methoxide, potassium tert-butoxide. to give the me- thylene derivative, which on treatment with borane and sodium perbo- rate or alkaline hydrogen peroxide gives the hydroxymethyl derivative, which can be oxidized to the desired carboxaldehyde with one of the re- agents reported in literature for such oxidations, such as, for example, iodoxybenzoic acid, Dess-Martin periodinane, oxalyl chloride and triethylamine, CrO3 in pyridine or in sulfuric acid and acetone, pyridin- ium chlorochromate. pyridinium dichromate. Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, where the symbols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined above and Z is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group can be obtained from com- pounds of general formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), when the symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, by reaction with a compound of general formula C1-C6 alkylMetT, where Met is a metal atom and T is nothing, halogen or a different metal atom depending on the oxidation state of the Met metal atom, such as, for example, Li, MgCl, MgBr, Mgl, and CuLi. Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is NHR8 where the sym- bols R'2. R3, R4, R5. and — have the meanings defined above, R8 is hy- drogen and Z is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where Q is hydroxy with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for ex- ample, by reaction with hydrocyanic acid in the presence of a strong acid such as, for example, sulfuric acid, followed by hydrolysis of the intermediate formamide. Compounds of general formula (III) - (XV) are commercially available or can be prepared from commercially available compounds by stan- dard procedures. In all said transformations, any interfering reactive group can be pro- tected and then deprotected according to well established procedures described in organic chemistry (see for example: T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", J. Wiley & Sons, Inc., 3rd Ed., 1999) and well known to those skilled in the art. All said transformations are only examples of well established proce- dures described in organic chemistry (see for example: J. March "Ad- vanced Organic Chemistry", J. Wiley & Sons, Inc., 4th Ed., 1992) and well known to those skilled in the art. The compounds of formula (I) as defined above are useful agents for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, such as heart failure and hyper- tension. Moreover said compounds show affinity and inhibit the enzy- matic activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase. Since the compounds of the present invention are shown to be able to antagonize the molecular effects induced by nanomolar ouabain con- centrations on the Na-KATPase, they will be effective the treatment of the diseases caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the the diseases caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain include: re- nal failure progression in autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), preeclamptic hypertension and proteinuria and renal failure progression in patients with adducin polymorphisms. In autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), cyst forma- tion and enlargement are due to cell proliferation and transepithelial secretion of fluids, causing progressive impairment renal function and kidney failure. 1 over 1000 subjects are affected by ADPKD which represents the first genetic cause of renal failure. Renal Na-K ATPase is essential for ion and fluid transport in ADPKD cells and its misloca- tion and function alteration have been described in this pathology (Wil- son PD et al. Am J Pathol 2000; 156:253-268). Ouabain, the inhibitor of the Na-KATPase. inhibits fluid secretion in ADPKD cysts (Grantham JJ et al. I Clin. Invest. 1995; 95:195-202) at micromolar concentrations, conversely, at nanomolar concentrations, which are similar to the circu- lating endogenous ouabain ones, ouabain stimulates ADPKD cell pro- liferation but does not affect normal human kidney cell growth (Nguyen AN et al. 2007; 18:46-57) . It. has been demonstrated that oua- bain stimulates ADPKD proliferation by binding to the Na-KATPase with high affinity and triggering the activation of the MEK-ERK path- way (Nguyen AN et al. 2007; 18:46-57). Preeclampsia is a potential devastating disorder of hypertension in pregnancy for which an effective treatment is still lacking. Elevated circulating levels of cardenolides and bufodienolides have been re- ported in preeclamptic patients and in rat models of the disease (Lo- patin DA et al J. Hypertens. 1999;17:1179-1187; Graves SV et al. Am J Hypertens. 1995; 8:5-11: Adair CD et al. Am J Nephrol. 1996; 16:529- 531). The data available suggest that in preeclampsia elevated plasma concentrations of Na-K ATPase inhibitors lead to vasoconstriction and malignant hypertension (Vu HV et al. Am J Nephrol. 2005; 25:520- 528). Recently, Digoxin-specific Fab (Digibind) have been proved to re- duce blood pressure and increase natriuresis in preeclamptic patients (Pullen MA al.JPET 2004; 310:319-325). Glomerulosclerosis-associated proteinuria is due to an impairment of the slit-pore structure formed by the podocyte foot-processes in the glomerulus. In particular, slit diaphragm proteins such as nephrin, ZO1, podocyn, synaptopodin and others, in addition to their structural functions participate in common signaling pathways regulated by Fyn a tyrosin kinase of the Src family kinases ( Benzing T. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004; 15:1382-1391). Recently, a key role in the structure of the slit pore has been ascribed to beta adducin, a cytoskeletal protein under the control of Fyn (Gotnh H BBRC 2006; 346:600-605; Shima T et al. JBC 2001; 276: 42233-42240). Adducin polymorphisms joint to that of ACE have been found associated to impaired renal function in European and Chinese populations (Wang JG et al. J Mol Med 2004; 82:715-722; Wang JG et al. Am J Kidney Dis. 2001; 38: 1158-1168). Ro- stafuroxin and analogues, as endogenous ouabain antagonists, have been described to be able to antagonize the molecular effect of adducin polymorphism on tyrosin kinase signaling (Ferrandi M. et al. JBC.2004; 279:33306-14; Ferrari et al.Am J Physiol Regul 2006; 290:R529-535; Ferrari P. et al. Med Hypothes. 2007; 68:1307-1314). Moreover the compounds of the invention possess positive inotropic features, as shown by slow intravenous infusion in anesthetized guinea pig according to Cerri (Cerri A. et al., J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 2332) and have a low toxicity when compared with standard cardiotonic ster- oids, e.g. digoxin. The pharmaceutical compositions will contain at least one compound of Formula (I) as an active ingredient, in an amount such as to produce a significant therapeutic effect. The compositions covered by the present invention are entirely conventional and are obtained with methods which are common practice in the pharmaceutical industry, such as, for example, those illustrated in Remington's Pharmaceutical Science Handbook, Mack Pub. N.Y. - latest, edition. According to the admini- stration route chosen, the compositions will be in solid or liquid form, suitable for oral, parenteral or intravenous administration. The compo- sitions according to the present invention contain, along with the active ingredient, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipi- ent. These may be particularly useful formulation coadjuvants. e.g. solubilising agents, dispersing agents, suspension agents, and emulsi- fying agents. In keeping with another object of the present invention, the pharma- ceutical compositions contain at least one formula (I) compound as the active ingredient, in an amount such as to produce a significant thera- peutic effect without causing cardiovascular side effects. The composi- tions covered by the present invention are entirely conventional and are obtained using methods which are common practice in the pharma- ceutical industry, such as are illustrated, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Science Handbook, Mack Pub. N.Y. - latest edition. According to the administration route opted for. the compositions will be in solid or liquid form, suitable for oral, parenteral or intravenous administration. The compositions according to the present invention contain at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipient along with the active ingredient. They may be particularly useful coad- juvant agents in formulation, e.g. solubilising agents, dispersing agents, suspension agents and emulsifying agents. The following examples further illustrate the invention. Example 1 (E) 3-(4-Piperidyl)oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (I-aa) To a solution of 4-piperidyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-a, Prepn. 1, 100 mg) and Na2HPO4 12 H2O (380 mg) in water (1.6 mL), a solution of androstane-3,6,17-trione (160 mg) in THF (3.2 mL) was added. After 2 hours at room temperature, NaCl (150 mg) was added and stirred for 15 min. The mixture was extracted with THF (2x2 mL) and the com- bined organic phases were washed with brine (3x3 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:MeOH:NH3 9:1:0.1). To the concen- trated fractions 5M HCl in EtOAc was added. After dilution with Et20, the solid was collected by filtration to give the title compound I-aa (140 mg, 60%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.68 (2H, bb), 4.17 (1H, m), 3.15-2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-1.10 (23H, m), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 2 (E,Z) 3-(3-Azetidinvl)oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione fumarate (I-ab) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an- drostane-3,6,17-trione (950 mg) and 3-azetidinyloxyamine dihydrochlo- ride (IH-b, Prepn. 2, 500 mg), the title compound I-ab was obtained (1.21 g, 80%) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.50 (2H, s), 4.87 (1H, m), 4.10-2.90 (5H, m), 2.50-1.20 (19H, m), 0.79 (6H, s). Example 3 (E) 3-[3-(RS)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochlo- ride (I-ac) A solution of 3-(RS)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IH-c, Prepn. 3, 227 mg) and androstane-3,6,17-trione (495 mg) in THF : wa- ter (2/1, 27 mL) was stirred for 30 min. NaCl was added and stirred till the two phases separated. After extraction of the aqueous layer with THF, the combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried and evaporated. The crude was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:MeOH:NH3 9:1:0.1). To the concentrated fractions 5M HC1 in EtOAc was added. After dilution with Et2O, the solid was collected by filtration to give the title compound I-ac (464 mg, 60%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.59 (1H, bb), 9.41 (1H, bb), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.80-2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-1.20 (21H, m), 0.78 (6H, s). Example 4 (E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6.17-dione hydrochlo- ride (I-ad) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an- drostane-3,6,17-trione (605 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihy- drochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 350 mg). the title compound I-ad was ob- tained as a white solid from the crude after evaporation of THF. wash- ing of the residue with EtOAc, and filtration (653 mg, 78%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.23 (2H, bb), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (5H. m), 2.60-1.20 (21H, m). 0.79 (3H, s). 0.78 (3H, s). Example 5 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochlo- ride (I-ae) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an- drostane-3,6,17-trione (1.00 g) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydro- chloride (III-e, Prepn. 5. 0.58g), the title compound I-ae was obtained as a white solid from the crude after evaporation of THF, washing of the residue with EtOAc, and filtration (1.00 g, 72%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.20 (2H, bb), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.35- 2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-1.20 (21H, m), 0.79 (6H, s). Example 6 (E) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrroudinylloxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (I-af) (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochlo- ride (1-ae, Example 5, 650 rag) was suspended in EtOAc (150 mL) and stirred for 3 hrs. After filtration, the procedure was repeated on the solid to give the title compound I-af (300 mg, 46%) as a white solid. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.20 (2H, bb), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-1.20 (21H, m), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 7 (Z)-3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6.17-dione hydrochloride (I-ag) The mother liquor of the first filtration reported in Example 6, was evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in EtOH, filtrated on charcoal and the filtrate evaporated to dryness to give the title com- pound I-ag (250 mg, 38 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.22 (2H, bb), 4.75 (1H, m). 3.30-3.15 (6H, m), 3.10 (1H, m), 2.95 (1H, m), 2.50-1.00 (18H, m), 0.76 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s). Example 8 (E.Z) 3-[2-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]methoxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydro- chloride (I-ah) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an- drostane-3,6,17-trione (100 mg) and 2-[(R)-pyrrolidinyl]methoxyamine dihydrochloride (IH-f, Prepn. 6, 150 mg), the title compound I-ah was obtained (130 mg, 57%) as a white solid. 1H-NME (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.39 (1H, bb), 8.80 (1H, bb), 4.10 (2H, m), 3.70 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (3H, m), 2.60-1.20 (23H, m), 0.79 (6H, s). Example 9 (E.Z) 3-[2-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]methoxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydro- chloride (I-ai) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an- drostane-3,6,17-trione (208 mg) and 2-[(S)-pyrrolidinyl]methoxyamine dihydrochloride (III-g, Prepn. 7, 130 mg), the title compound I-ai was obtained (172 mg, 55%), as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.56 (1H, bb), 8.75 (1H, bb), 4.11 (2H, m), 3.68 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (3H, m), 2.60-1.20 (23H, m), 0.79 (6H, s). Example 10 (E) 3-[3'-(R,S)-Piperidinyl]oxyminoandrostane-6.17-dione hydrochlo- ride (I-ai) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an- drostane-3,6,17-trione (100 mg) and 3-(RS)-piperidinyloxyamine dihy- drochloride (III-h. Prepn. 8. 50 mg), the title compound I-aj was ob- tained (110 mg, 76%) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.68 (2H, bb), 4.21 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (5H, m), 2.60- 1.20 (23H, m), 0.79 (6H, s). Example 11 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (I-ak) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an- drostane-3,6,17-trione (100 mg) and 3-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyam- ine dihydrochloride (IIIl-i, Prepn. 9, 62 mg), the title compound I-ak was obtained (65 mg, 45 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.70-4.60 (bb, 1H), 3.30-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.74 (s, 3H), 2.50-1.20 (m, 25H), 0.79 (s, 3H), 0.77 (s, 3H). Example 12 (E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyiminoandrostane-6.17-dione (I- all Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an- drostane-3,6,17-trione (300 mg) and 3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxy- amine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10, 190 mg), the title compound I-al was obtained (384 mg, 85 %) as a light yellow powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.57 (1H, m), 2.90 (1H, dd), 2.60-1.00 (25H, m), 2.19 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 13 (E.Z) 3-(3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl)oxydmino-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one hemifumarate (lam) Prepared in 65% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 5a- hydroxyandrostane-3,17-trione (II-aa, Prepn. 11) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e, Prepn. 5). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et90, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-am. 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.00 (3H, bb), 6.38 (2H, s), 5.01 (1H, s), 4.75 (0.5H, s), 4.68 (0.5H. s), 3.45-1.00 (27H, m), 0.97 (1.5H, s), 0.94 (1.5H, s), 0.76 (1.5H, s), 0.75 (1.5H, s). Example 14 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hy- drochloride (I-an) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6α- hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (278 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyami- ne dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 160 mg), the title compound I-an was obtained as a white solid from the crude after evaporation of THF, washing of the residue with EtOAc containing 10% EtOH and filtration (270 mg, 70%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.15 (2H, bb), 4.73 (1H, m), 4.52 (1H, d), 3.50-2.90 (6H, m), 2.60-0.60 (21H, m), 0.87 (1.5H, s), 0.85 (1.5H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). Example 15 (E.Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hy- drochloride (I-ao) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6α- hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (209 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyami- ne dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 120 mg), the title compound I-ao was obtained as a white solid from the crude after evaporation of THF? washing of the residue with EtOAc/5% EtOH and filtration (204 mg. 70%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.13 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 4.54 (1H, d), 3.50-2.90 (6H, m), 2.60-0.60 (21H, m), 0.86 (1.5H. s), 0.85 (1.5H, s). 0.77 (3H. s). Example 16 (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-17-oxoandrostane-6α-yl nitrate hydrochloride (I-ap) Prepared in 41% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 3,17- dioxoandrostane-6α-yl nitrate (II-ab, Prepn. 12) and 3-(R) pyrroli dinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.96 (2H, bb), 4.99 (1H, m), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.40-2.90 (5H, m), 2.45-0.74 (21H, m), 0.99 (1.5H, s), 0.98 (1.5H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). Example 17 (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one hydrochloride (I-aa) Prepared in 75% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6- methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.01 (2H, bb), 4.83 (0.5H, m), 4.81 (0.5H, bs), 4.74 (1H, m), 4.50 (1H, m), 4.09 (2H, m), 3.50-0.88 (26H, m), 0.77 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 18 (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethylandrostan-17- one hydrochloride (I-ar) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6α- hydroxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ad, Prepn. 14, 260 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydroehloride (III-e, Prepn. 5. 149 mg), the title compound I-ar was obtained as a white solid from the crude after washing with EtOAc and Et2O and filtration (190 mg, 57%). 1H- NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 9.23 (2H. bb). 4.72 (1H, m), 4.37 (1H. t), 3.40-2.90 (7H, m), 2.50-0.60 (22H. m). Example 19 (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methoxymethylandrostane-17- one hydrochloride (I-as) Prepared in 60% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6α- methoxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ae, Prepn. 15) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydroehloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The crude was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2. CH2Cl2:MeOH:NH3 9:1:0.1). Fumaric acid was added to the concentrated fractions to give the title compound I-as (0.43 g, 60%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.00 (3H, bb), 6.40 (2H, s), 4.71 (1H, m), 3.34-2.90 (7H, m), 3.22 (1.5H, s), 3.21 (1.5H, s), 2.44-0.59 (22H, m), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 20 (Z,E) 3-(3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6α-carbamoylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride (I-at) By Using the same reaction conditions described in Example 3 and starting from 6α-carbamoylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-af, Prepn. 16, 500 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 262 mg). After 3 hrs the reaction mixture was concentrated to give a solid which was washed with boiling EtOAc. The solid was filtered to give, after drying, the title compound I-at (440 mg, 65%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.57 (2H, bb). 7.38 (0.5H, bb), 7.31 (0.5H, bb). 6.92 (0.5H, bb), 6.78 (0.5H. bb). 4.62 (1H. m), 2.98 (5H, m). 2.45-0.63 (22H, m). 0.89 (3H. s). 0.78 (3H. s). Example 21 (Z.E) 3-(3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6α-methoxycarbonvlandrostane- 17-one hydrochloride (I-au) By using the same reaction conditions described in Example 3 and starting from 6a methoxycarbonylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ag, Prepn. 17, 325 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrohdinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e, Prepn. 5, 167 mg). After 1 h the reaction mixture was extracted with THF. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The resulting solid was washed with Et2O and centrifuged to give, after drying, the title compound I- au (326 mg, 74%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.88 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 3.61 (1.5H, s), 3.60 (1.5H, s), 3.37-3.05 (4H, m), 2.99 (0.5H, m), 2.74 (0.5H, m), 2.46-0.70 (22H, m), 0.91 (1.5H, s), 0.90 (1,5H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 22 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostan-17- one hydrochloride (I-av) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6- (E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ah, Prepn. 18), 380 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 250 mg), the title compound I-av was obtained as a white solid after filtra- tion from THF (404 mg, 77%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.56 (0.5H, s), 10.52 (0.5H, s), 9.25 (2H, bb), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.40-3.00 (6H, m), 2.50-1.00 (20H, m), 0.78 (6H, s). Example 23 (E) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-Methylandrostane-17-one fu- marate (I-aw) Prepared in 84% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6α- methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ai, Prepn. 19) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl- oxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e. Prepn. 5). The crude product was pu- rified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fu- maric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et20, the precipitate was triturated with Et2O to give the title compound I-aw. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.50 (3H, bb), 6.41 (2H, m), 4.70 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (5H, m), 2.45-0.60 (22H, m), 0.88 (3H. s), 0.81 (3H. s), 0.77 (3H, s). Example 24 (Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one hydro- chloride (I-ax) Prepared in 70% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6α- methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ai, Prepn. 19) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl- oxyamine dihydrochloride (HI-e, Prepn. 5). The crude product was dissolved in H2O and freeze-dried to give the title compound I-ax. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.03 (2H, bb), 4.73 (1H, m), 3.30-3.02 (5H, m), 2.45-0.56 (22H, m), 0.87 (3H, m), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 25 (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimmo-6α-formamidoandrostane-17-one hydrochloride (I-ay) Prepared in 70% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6α- formamidoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aj, Prepn. 20) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The crude product was dissolved in H-JO and freeze-dried to give the title com- pound I-ay. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.38 (3H, bb), 8.42-7.50 (2H, m), 4.76 (0.5H, m), 4.71 (0.5H, m), 3.72 (1H, m), 3.29-2.93 (5H. m), 2.44-0.61 (21H, m), 0.93 (1.5H, s), 0.92 (1.5H. s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 26 (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-difluoromethyleneandrostan-17- one hydrochloride (I-az) Prepared in 71% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6- difluoromethyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ak, Prepn. 21) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The crude product was triturated with EtOAc. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.10 (2H, bb), 4.70 (1H, m), 3.20-2.90 (5H, m), 2.45- 0.80 (21H, m), 0.89 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 27 (Z.E) 3-(3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6-(spirocyclopropane)androstane- 17-one hydrochloride (I-ba) Prepared in 91% yield as described in Example 1 starting 6- (spirocyclopropane)androstane-3,l7-dione (II-al, Prepn. 22) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness to give title compound I-ba. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.02 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 3.30-3.04 (4H, m), 2.98 (0.5H. m), 2.63 (0.5H, m), 2.43-0.71 (21H, m), 0.96 (1.5H, s), 0.95 (1.5H, s), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.52 (1H, m), 0.43 (1H, m), 0.25 (1H, m), 0.10 (1H, m). Example 28 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-ethynylandrostane-17-one hy- drochloride (I-bb) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6ct- ethynylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-am, Prepn. 23, 80 mg) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 46 mg), the ti- tle compound I-bb was obtained (128 mg, 90%) as a white powder. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.98 (2H, bb), 4.75 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (6H, m), 2.49-0.85 (22H, m), 0.88 (1.5H, s), 0.87 (1.5H, s), 0.79 (3H, s). Example 29 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolldinylloxyimino-6α-(2-hydroxyethvl)androstane- 17-one hydrochloride (I-bc) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6α- (2-hydroxyethyl)androstane-3,17-dione (II-an , Prepn. 24, 310 mg) and -(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 163 mg), the title compound I-bc was obtained (350 mg, 78 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 8.95 (2H, bb), 4,74 (1H, bs), 4.30 (1H, t), 3.59-3.20 (8H, m), 3.15 (0.5H, m), 3.00 (0.5H, m), 2.45-0.60 (22H, m), 0.89 (1.5H, s), 0.88 (1.5H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 30 (E.Z) 3-(3'-(R)-Pyrroudinyloxyimino)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostan-17- one hydrochloride (I-bd) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and stai-ting from 6- (E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ao, Prepn. 25, 390 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e, Prepn. 5, 206 mg), the title compound I-bd was obtained (363 mg, 70 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.05 (bb, 2H), 4.65-4.55 (bs. 1H), 3.77 (s, 1.5H), 3.75 (s, 1.5H). 3.30-3.00 (s, 7H), 2.47-1.00 (m. 20H), 0.81 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H). Example 31 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinvnoxyimino-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane- 17-one fumarate (I-be) Prepared in 50% yield following the procedure described in Example 1 starting from 6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ao, Prepn. 25, 400 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 210 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chroma- tography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concen- trated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipi- tate was filtered to give the title compound I-be as a white powder. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H), 4.82-4.75 (m, 1H), 3.75 (s, 1.5H), 3.74 (s, 1.5H), 3.30-2.90 (m, 7H), 2.40-1.00 (m, 19H), 0.76 (s,3H), 0.75 (s, 3H). Example 32 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6-(E)-methoxyimino- androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-bf) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6- (E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ao, Prepn. 25, 386 mg) and 3-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9, 220mg), the title compound I-bf was obtained (220 mg, 41 %), after freeze-drying, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.80-4.60 (m, 1H), 4.76 (s, 1.5H), 4.75 (s, 1.5H), 3.25-3.15 (dd, 0.5H), 3.10-0.95 (dd, 0.5H), 2.75 (bs, 3H), 2.40-1.00 (m, 25H), 0.77 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s, 3H). Example 33 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-(E)-6-methoxyimino- androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-bg) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6- (E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ao, Prepn. 25, 365 mg) and 3(R)-1-methyl-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10, 208 mg), the title compound I-bg was obtained (340 mg, 67 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.12 (bb, 1H), 4.80-4.60 (m. 1H), 3.76 (s, 1.5H), 3.75 (s, 1.5H), 3.25- 3.15 (dd, 0.5H), 3.10-2.95 (dd, 0.5H). 2.75 (s, 3H), 2.45-1.00 (m, 25H), 0.77 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H). Example 34 (E.Z) 3 [3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-methylenandrostane- 17-one hydrochloride (I-bh) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 5a- hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ap, Prepn. 26, 500 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 280 mg), the title compound I-bh was obtained (550 mg, 80 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.38 (2H, bb), 4.82 (1H, bs), 4.75 (1H, bs), 4.68 (1H, bs), 3.40-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15 (0.5H, m), 3.00 (0.5H, m), 2.70-1.00 (18H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s). Example 35 (Z) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane- 17-one fumarate (I-bi) The title compound I-bi was obtained following the procedure de- scribed in Example 1 starting from 5a-hydroxy-6-methylene- androstane-3,17-dione (II-ap, Prepn. 26, 125 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrol- idinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 55 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric: acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et20, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bi (64 mg, 40 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H). 4.80 (1H, bs), 4.70 (2H, m), 4.63 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.20 (6H, m). 3.15 (1H, m), 2.40-1.00 (18H, m), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s). Example 36 (E) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-Methyleneandrostane- 17-one fumarate (I-hj) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 35. The stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bj (60 mg, 37 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H), 4.78 (1H, bs), 4.70 (2H, m), 4.60 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.15 (6H, m), 3.02 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 (18H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s). Example 37 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl1oxvimino-5α-hydroxy-6-Methyleneandrostane -17-one fumarate (I-bk) Isolated from the unseparated fractions of the flash chromatography described in Example 35. To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et-jO, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bk, after freeze-drying, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 6.61 (s, 2H), 4.87 (0.5H, bs), 4.84 (0.5H. bs). 4.75 (2H, m). 4.69 (0.5H. bs), 4.67 (0.5H. bs). 3.40-3.10 (6H. m), 3.15 (0.5H, m), 3.00 (0.5H, m), 2.70-1.00 (18H, m), 0.84 (1.5H, s), 0.82 (1.5H, s), 0.75 (3H, a). Example 38 (Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-Methylene- androstane -17-one fumarate (I-bl) The title compound I-bl was prepared following the procedure de- scribed in Example 1 starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-methylene- androstane-3,17-dione (II-ap, Prepn. 26, 70 mg) and 3-(R)-(1- methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10, 42mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et20, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bl (40 mg, 34%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.45 (s, 2H), 4.82 (lh, bs), 4.68 (2H, bs), 4.58 (1H, m), 3.30-3.20 (6H, m), 3.15-3.08 (1H. bs), 2.80-1.10 (18H, m), 2.26 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 39 (E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-Methylene- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bm) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 38. The stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et20, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I- bm (64 rag, 55%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.45 (s, 2H), 4.81 (1H, bs), 4.65 (1H, bs), 4.60 (2H, m), 3.30-3.20 (6H, m), 2.98-2.88 (1H, m), 2.80-1.10 (18H, m), 2.24 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 40 (Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinynoxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-methylene- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bn) The title compound I-bn was prepared following the procedure de- scribed in Example 1 starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-methylene- androstane-3,17-dione (II-ap, Prepn. 26, 100 mg) and 3-(S)-1-Methyl- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9, 60 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2. CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bn (67 mg, 40%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.52 (2H, s), 4.81 (1H, bs), 4.66 (1H, bs), 4.59 (2H, m), 3.40-3.20 (6H, m), 3.10-2.98 (1H, m), 2.80-1.10 (18H, m), 2.31 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s). Example 41 (E) 3-f3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-Methylene- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bo) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 40. The stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/EtaO, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I- bo (70 mg. 41%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 6.51 (2H, s), 4.82 (1H, bs), 4.67 (1H, bs), 4.61 (2H, m), 3.40-3.20 (6H, m), 3.05-3.00 (1H, bs), 2.90-1.10 (18H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.74 (3H, s). Example 42 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstnue-17-one hydrochloride (I-bp) Prepared in 77% yield as described in Example 1 starting 5α-hydroxy- 6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27) and 3- (R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The com- bined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness to give title compound I-bp. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.67 (0.5H, s), 10.64 (0.5H, s), 9.01 (2H, bb), 5.08 (0.5H, s), 4.95 (0.5H, s), 4.73 (1H, m), 3.51-2.90 (6H, m), 2.62-1.10 (19H, m), 0.82 (3H. s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 43 (E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-bq) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 5α- Hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27, 100 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 50 mg), the title compound I-bq was obtained (90 mg, 68 %), after freeze-drying of the precipitated hydrochloride, as a white powder. lH- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72 (0.5H, bs), 10.63 (0.5H, bs), 9.02 (2H, bb), 4.85 (1H, bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H, m), 2.99 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 (17H, m), 0.84 (1.5H, s),0.83 (1.5H. s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 44 (Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy- iminoandrostane-17-one hemifumarate (I-br) The title compound I-cf was obtained following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane-3,17-dione (II-aq. Prepn. 27, 100 mg) and 3-(S)-(1- methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9, 55 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-br (70 mg, 48 %), after freeze- drying, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.62 (s, 1H), 6.39 (s, 1H), 5.00 (s, 1H), 4.70-4.60 (m, 1H), 3.20- 1.00 (m, 25H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 0.80 S, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H). Example 45 (E) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bs) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 44. The stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I- bs (50 mg, 32 %), as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6; ppm from TMS): δ 10.62 (s, 1H). 6.48 (s, 2H), 5.00 (s, 1H), 4.63-4.48 (m, 1H), 3.20-1.00 (m, 25H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H). Example 46 (Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bt) The title compound I-bt was obtained following the procedure de- scribed in Example 1 and starting from 5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27, 100 mg) and 3- (R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10, 55 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bt (32 mg. 20 %). after freeze - drying, as a white amorphous powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, dmso-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.58 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 2H), 5.20-5.10 (m, 1H), 4.65- 4.55 (m, 1H), 3.20-1.00 (m. 25H). 2.32 (s, 3H). 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s. 3H). Example 47 (E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bu) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 46. The stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I- bu (70 mg, 44 %), as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, dmso-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.63 (s, 1H), 6.51 (s, 2H), 5.10 (bs, 1H), 4.65-4.55 (m, 1H), 3.20-1.00 (m, 25H), 2.32 (s. 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H). Example 48 (E.Z)-3-(3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bv) The title compound I-bv was obtained in 40% yield following the pro- cedure described in Example 1 and starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-(E)- methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ar, Prepn. 28, 73 mg) and 3- (S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 37 rag). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound 1-bv as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H), 5.35 (bs, 0.5H), 5.21 (bs, 0.5H), 4.70 (bs. 1H), 3.73 (s. 1.5H). 3.71 (s. 1.5H). 3.30-2.90 (m. 7H), 2.41-1.00 (m. 1SH), 0.81 (s. 3H), 0.72 (s. 3H). Example 49 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bw) Prepared in 40 % following the procedure described in Example 1 start- ing from 5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimmoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ar, Prepn. 28, 420 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 210 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bw, after freeze- drying: as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): 6 6.41 (s, 2H), 5.30-5.20 (bs, 1H), 4.76-4.65 (m, 1H), 4.75 (s, 1.5H), 4.65 (s, 1.5H), 3.30-2.90 (m, 7H), 2.42-1.00 (m, 18H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H). Example 50 (Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bx) The title compound I-bx was obtained following the procedure de- scribed in Example 1 starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-(E)- methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ar, Prepn. 28, 100 mg) and 3- (S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9, 55 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bx (49 mg, 30%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 6.41 (2H, s), 5.24 (1H, bb), 4.67 (1H, m). 3.72 (3H, s), 3.15 2.75 (6H, m), 2.43 (3H, s), 2.65-1.00 (19H. m). 0.83 (3H, s). 0.75 (3H. s). Example 51 (E) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-by) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 50. The stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I- by (50 mg, 30 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H), 5.20 (1H, bb), 4.58 (1H, m), 3.76 (3H, s), 3.15-2.75 (6H, m), 2.33 (3H, s), 2.60-1.10 (19H, m), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s). Example 52 (Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bz) The title compound I-bz was obtained following the procedure de- scribed in Example 1 starting from 5crhydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino- androstane-3,17-dione (II-ar, Prepn. 28, 70 mg) and 3-(R)-(1- methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10, 37 rag). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bz (40 mg, 36%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.52 (s, 2H), 5.18 (1H, s), 4.58 (1H, m), 3.74 (3H, s), 3.30-3.20 (6H, m), 3.15-3.02 (1H, m), 2.80-1.10 (18H, m), 2.24 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 53 (E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-ca) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 52. The stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/EtaO, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I- ca (56 mg, 50 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.51 (s. 2H), 5.28 (1H, bb), 4.62 (1H, m), 3.78 (3H, s), 3.30-3.20 (6H, m), 3.05-2.95 (1H, m), 2.90-1.10 (18H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 54 (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate (I- cb) Prepared in 50% yield as described in Example 1 starting from andro- stane-3,7,17-trione (II-as, Prepn. 29) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.00 (3H, bb), 6.40 (2H, s), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.35-0.94 (26H, m), 1.13 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 55 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate (I- cc) Prepared in 82 % following the procedure described in Example 1 start- ing from and androstane-3,7,17-trione (II-as, Prepn. 29, 122 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 75 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-cc as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): 6 6.41 (s, 2H), 5.75-5.65 (m, 1H), 3.30-3.00 (m, 6H), 2.95-2.80 (dd, 0.5H). 2.75-2.60 (dd. 0.5H). 2.45-1.05 (m. 19H), 1.12 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H). Example 56 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostan-17- one fumarate (I-cd) Prepared in 50% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-at, Prepn. 30) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.39 (0.5H, s), 10.36 (0.5H, s), 8.66 (3H, bb), 6.40 (2H, s), 4.66 (1H, m), 3.20-2.78 (6H, m), 2.45-0.83 (20H, m), 1.01 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). Example 57 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7(E)-methoxyiminoandrostan 17- one fumarate (I-ce) Prepared in 50% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7-(E)- methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-au, Prepn. 31) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.00 (3H, bb), 6.40 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.72 (3H, s), 3.22-2.78 (6H, m), 2.61-0.87 (20H, m) 1.00 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). Example 58 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7-(E)-allyloxyiminoandrostane-17- one fumarate (I-cf) Prepared in 49% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7-(E)- allyloxyiminoandrostane-3,l7-dione (II-av, Prepn. 32, 270 rag) and 3- (R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 133 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-cf as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.48 (1H, bs), 6.42 (2H, s), 6.00-5.85 (1H, m), 5.30-5.10 (2H, m), 4.70 (1H. bs). 4.45 (2H, d), 3.20-2.80 (6H, m), 2.40- 1.10 (20H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s). Example 59 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7-Methyleneandrostane-17-one hydrochloride (I-cg) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7- methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aw, Prepn. 33, 110 mg) and 3- (R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 64 mg), the title compound I-cg was obtained (134 mg, 87 %) as a light yellow pow- der. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.91 (2H, bb), 4.72 (2H, bs), 4.67 (1H, bs), 3.30-3.15 (6H, m), 3.00 (0.5H, m), 2.85 (0.5H, m), 2.45-1.00 (19H, m), 1.00 (1.5H, s), 0.99 (1.5H, s), 0.81 (3H, s). Example 60 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-hydroxyMethylandrostane-17- one hydrochloride (I-ch) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7a- hydroxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-av, Prepn. 34, 90 mg) and 3- (R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 50 mg), the title compound I-ch was obtained (100 mg, 80%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.08 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 4.32 (1H, m), 3.60-3.15 (8H, m), 3.01 (0.5H. m). 2.75 (0.5H, m). 2.40-0.90 (20H. m). 0.89 (1.5H. s). 0.88 (1.5H. s). 0.76 (3H. s). Example 61 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrlidinyl]oxyimino-7β-hydroxyMethylandrostane-17- one hydrochloride (I-ci) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7p- hydroxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aw, Prepn. 34, 80 mg) and 3- (R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 44 mg), the title compound I-ci was obtained (53 mg, 48 %) as a white powder. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 9.08 (2H. bb), 4.76 (1H. m), 4.40 (1H, m), 3.60-3.15 (8H, m), 3.05 (0.5H, m), 2.85 (0.5H, m), 2.40-0.90 (20H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s). Example 62 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one fu- marate (I-ci) Prepared in 41% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7a- hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ax, Prepn. 35, 210 mg) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 120 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumarie acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound 1-cj as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.42 (2H, s), 4.62 (1H, bs), 4.32 (1H, bb), 3.75 (1H, m), 3.15-2.90 (5H, m), 2.40-1.00 (21H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.72 (3H, s). Example 63 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methylandrostane- 17-one hy- drochloride (I-ck) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7a methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ay, Prepn. 36, 31 mg) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 21 mg), the ti- tle compound was obtained (40 mg, 93 %), after freeze-drying, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.94 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 3.50-3.10 (6H, m), 3.01 (1H, m), 2.40-0.99 (20H, m), 0.92-0.83 (6H, m), 0.79 (3H, s). Example 64 (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-Methylandrostane- 17-one hy- drochloride (I-cl) Prepared in 92% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7β- methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-az, Prepn. 37, 512 mg) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 282 mg). The organic phase was extracted with THF, washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness to give the title compound I-cl as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.08 (2H, bb), 4.71 (1H, m), 3.30-3.10 (6H, m), 3.05 (0.5H, m), 2.78 (0.5H, m), 2.40-0.90 (19H, m). 0.99 (3H, d), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.80-0.70 (1H, m). Example 65 (E) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-Methylandrostane-17-one hydro- chloride (I-cm) Following the procedure described in Example 65 and starting from 70- methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-az, Prepn. 37, 90 mg) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 50 mg), the ti- tle compound I-cm was obtained (46 mg, 36%), after crystallization from MeOH/EtOAc, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 8.94 (2H, bb). 4.72 (1H, m), 3.50-3.10 (6H. m), 3.01 (1H, m). 2.40-0.95 (20H, m), 0.98 (3H. d), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 66 (Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-Methylandyostane-17-one hydro- chloride (I-cn) The title compound I-cn was obtained (50 mg, 40%) from the mother liquor of Example 65, after evaporation, trituration of the residue with EtOAc. as an off white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.14 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 3.45-3.05 (6H, m), 2.78 (1H, m), 2.40-0.95 (20H, m), 0.98 (3H, d). 0.84 (3H, s). 0.79 (3H, s). Example 67 (Z.E) 3-(3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-7-(spirocyclopropane)androstane- 17-one hydrochloride (I-co) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7- (spirocyclopropane)androstane-3,17-dione (II-ba, Prepn. 38, 55 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 30.mg). the title compound I-co was obtained (61 mg, 80 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.02 (2H, bb), 4.71 (1H, m), 3.30-3.15 (6H, m), 3.05 (0.5H, m), 2.70 (0.5H, dd), 2.42-0.84 (19H, m), 0.93 (1.5H. s), 0.92 (1.5H, s), 0.80 (3H, s), 0.75-0.70 (2H, m), 0.62 (1H, m), 0.34 (1H, m). Example 68 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinylloxyimino-7α-formamidoandrostane-17-one hydrochloride (I-cp) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7a- formamidoandrostane-6,17-dione (II-bb, Prepn. 39, 70 mg) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 40 mg), the ti- tle compound I-cp was obtained (73 mg. 77%), after centrifugation, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.15 (2H, bb), 8.12 (1H, m), 7.98 (1H, m), 4.73 (1H, m), 4.05 (1H, m), 3.30- 3.10 (6H. m), 3.05 (0.5H. m). 2.70 (0.5H. m), 2.40-1.00 (19H. m), 0.90 (1.5H, s), 0.89 (1.5H, s), 0.79 (3H, s). Example 69 (E) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxycarbonvlandrostane-17- one hydrochloride (I-cq) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7a- methoxycarbonylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bc, Prepn. 40, 60 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 30 mg), the title compound I-cq was obtained (26 mg, 32 %) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, dmso-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.99 (2H, bb), 4.71 (1H, m), 3.57 (3H, s), 3.35-3.20 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H, m), 3.05 (1H, m), 2.74 (1H, m), 2.40-0.95 (18H, m), 0.89 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 70 (E.Z) 3-(3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxvimino)-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxy- androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-cr) Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6- (E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxyandi'ostane-3,17-dione (II-bd, Prepn. 41. 83 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 48 mg), the title compound I-cr was obtained (75 mg, 66 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72 (0.5H, bs), 10.63 (0.5H, bs), 9.02 (2H, bb), 5.17 (1H, d), 5.02 (1H, bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H, m), 2.99 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 ( 16H, m). 0.89 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s). Example 71 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane- 7.17-dione fumarate (I-cs) Prepared in 67% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6a hydroxymethylanclrostane-3.7, 17-trione (II-be, Prepn. 42) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e, Prepn. 5). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-cs as white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.18 (1H, bb), 3.70-3.00 (8H, m), 2-80-1.00 (19H, m), 1.15 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s). Example 72 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6α-hydroxyMethyl- androstane-7.17-dione fumarate (I-ct) Prepared in 57% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α- hydroxymethylandrostane-3,7,17-trione (II-be, Prepn. 42) and 3-(R)- (1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/EtaO, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-ct as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.56 (2H, s), 4.62 (1H, m), 4.17 (1H, bb), 3.70-3.30 (8H, m), 3.22-3.12 (1H, m), 3.06-2.92 (1H, m), 2.37 (1.5H, s), 2.35 (1.5H, s), 2.90-1.00 (17H, m), 1.17 (1.5H, s), 1.16 (1.5H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 73 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6α-hydroxyMethyl- androstane-7,17-dione fumarate (I-cu) Prepared in 72% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α- hydroxymethylandrostane-3,7,17-trione (II-be, Prepn. 42) and 3-(S)- (1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2. CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-cu as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.55 (2H, s), 4.62 (1H, m). 4.18 (1H, bb), 3.70-3.30 (8H, m), 3.20-3.10 (1H, m), 3.05-2.95 (1H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 2.80-1.00 (17H, m), 1.16 (3H, s). 0.79 (3H. s). Example 74 3β-(3-(R,S)-Piperidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochlride (1-cv) To a solution of 3p[(E,S)-(1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidin-3- yl)carbonyloxy]androstane-6,17-dione (II-bf, Prepn. 43, 49 mg) in EtOAc (0.6 mL) at 0 °C, 5 N HCl in EtOAc (0.85 mL) was added. After stirring for 15 min at room temperature the solution was evaporated and the residue was triturated with Et2O to give the title compound I- cv (21 mg, 50%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.84 (1H, bb), 8.56 (1H, bb), 4.61 (1H, m), 3.50-1.20 (29H, m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H,s). Example 75 3β (4-Piperidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride fl- ew) Prepared in 61% yield as described in Example 29 starting from 3β- (N- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione (II-bg, Prepn. 44). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.90 (1H, bb), 8.80 (1H, bb), 4.62 (1H. m), 3.50-1.20 (29H. m), 0.78 (3H. s), 0.69 (3H. s). Example 76 3β-(3-Azetidincarbonvloxv)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (1-cx) Prepared in 30% yield as described in Example 29 starting from 30-(N- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione (II-bh, Prepn. 45). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.95 (2H, bb), 4.64 (1H, m), 4.2-1 (25H, m), 0.78 (3H. s), 0.69 (3H. s). Example 77 3β-(3(R,S)-Pirrolidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6.17-dione fumarate (I- cv) Prepared in 50% yield as described in Example 29 starting from 3β- (N- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pirrolidin-3(R,S)-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17- dione (II-bi, Prepn. 46). The crude product was purified by flash chro- matography (Si02, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concen- trated fractions, the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-cy. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.00 (3H, bb) 6.43 (2H, s), 4.60 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (5H, m), 2.45-1.13 (22H, ma), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s). Example 78 3β-(2(R.S)-Morpholinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione fumarate (I- cz) Prepared in 54% yield as described in Example 32 starting from 3β- (N- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)morpholin-2(R,S)-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17- dione (II-bj, Prepn. 47). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.00 (3H. bb). 6.43 (2H. s). 1.63 (1H. m), 4.09 (1H. m). 3.79 (1H, m), 3.50-2.60 (5H, m), 2.45-1.14 (20H. m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s). Example 79 3β-(2-(R.S)-Piperazinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione dihydrochlo- ride (I-da) Prepared in 80% yield as described in Example 29 starting from 3β- (N,N'-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-2(R,S)- ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione (II-bk, Prepn. 48). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.56 (4H, bb), 4.75 (1H, m), 4.53 (1H, m), 3.70-3.10 (6H, m). 2.60-1.15 (20H, m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.71 (3H, s). Example 80 3α-[3-(RS)-Pyrrolidinylthiol-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-db) To a stirred solution of 3α-mercapto-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one (II-bl, Prepn. 49) (100 rag) in dry DMF (2 mL), NaH 60% in oil (30 rag) was added at 0°C. After 5 min. a solution of (RS) 3-bromopyrrolidine hydrochloride (Prepn. 64, 60 mg) in DMF (1 mL) was dropped in 30 min. at room temperature. After 2 hrs, a 5% NaH2PO4 solution was added. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was ex- tracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was puri- fied by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/NH3 93/7/0.7). To the concentrated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of EtOAc, the precipitate was filtered to give 0.10 g (62%) of the title compound I-db as a white solid. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.42 (2H, s), 4.78 (1H, m), 4.73 (1H, m), 4.38 (1H, m), 3.57 (1H, m), 3.30-3.10 (6H, m), 2.45 0.95 (20H. m), 0.76 (3H, s). 0.63 (3H, s). Example 81 3α-[3 (RS)-Pyrrolidinylthiolandrostane-6,17-dione fumarate (I-dc) Following the procedure described in Example 80 and starting from 3α- mercaptoandrostane-6,17-dione (II-bm, Prepn. 50) (200 mg), 3oc-[3- (RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]androstane-6,17-dione fumarate was obtained from the crude product by addition of fumaric acid (58 mg) and wash- ing the precipitate with EtOAc to give 130 mg (60% yield). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.42 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.57 (1H, m). 3.30-3.10 (6H. m)r 2.45-0.95 (20H, m), 0.76 (3H. s). 0.63 (3H. s). Example 82 3α-[3-(RS)-Pyrrolidinylthiol-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-17-one fu- marate (I-dd) The title compound was prepared following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]androstane- 6,17-dione fumarate (I-dc, Example 81, 115 mg) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (20 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chro- matography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/NH3 9/1/0.1). To the concentrated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of EtOAc. the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-dd as a white solid in 65% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72 (1H, bs), 6.42 (1H, m), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.57 (1H, m), 3.30-3.10 (6H, m), 2.40-0.95 (20H, m), 0.76 (3H, s), 0.63 (3H, s). Example 83 3α-[2-(Pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinvllandrostane-6.17-dione formate (I- de) A solution of 3α-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione (II-bn, Prepn. 51, 110 mg) in formic acid (3 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. 15 mL of distilled water were then added and the resulting mixture freeze-dried to give the title compound I-de as a white solid, in 95% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H, bb), 5.82 (1H, t), 5.25 (1H, t), 3.55-3.05 (4H, m), 3.00-2.05 (7H, m), 2.00-1.10 (17H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 84 3α-[2-(Pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6, 17-dione formate (I- df) The title compound was prepared in 93% yield as described in Example 83 starting from 3α-[l-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione (II-bc, Prepn. 53). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.99 (2H. bb), 5.80 (1H, t), 5.20 (1H, t), 3.55-3.05 (4H, m), 3.00-2.05 (7H, m), 2.00-1.10 (17H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H,s). Example 85 3α-[2-(Pyperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate (I-dg) The title compound was prepared in 90% yield as described in Example 83 starting from 3α-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyperidin-4-yl)-(Z)- vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione (Prepn. 55, II-bp). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.98 (2H, bb), 5.74 (1H, t), 5.19 (1H, t), 4.20-3.95 (2H, m), 3.00-1.05 (28H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). Example 86 3α-[2-(Azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate (I-dh) The title compound was prepared in 70% yield as described in Example 83 starting from 3α-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)- vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione (Prepn. 57, II-bq). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.99 (2H. bb), 5.82 (1H, t), 5.65 (1H, t). 4.15-3.95 (2H, m), 3.65-3.45 (3H, m), 2.60-1.10 (21H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). Example 87 (Z)-3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl)oxyiminol-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7.17- dione fumarate (I-di) Prepared in 67% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α- hydroxymethylandrostane-3,7,17-trione (II-be, Prepn. 42) and 3-(S)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-d, Prepn. 4). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-di in 35% yield, as white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.02 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.25 (1H, t), 3.55 (2H, m), 3.32-3.10 (6H, m), 2.51 (2H, m), 2.10 (1H, m), 1.90-1.10 (16H, m), 0.95 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). Example 88 (E)-3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl)oxyiminol-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7,17- dione fumarate (I-di) The title compound was obtained from the second fractions of the col- umn described in Example 87. To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi- tion of Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-dj in 40% yield, as white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.42 (2H. s), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.25 (1H, t), 3.55 (2H, m), 3.30-3.05 (6H, m). 2.51 (2H, m), 2.10 (1H, m). 1.90-1.10 (16H, m), 0.95 (3H.s). 0.80 (3H. s). Example 89 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6α-hydroxyMethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-dk) Prepared as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α- hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-br, Prepn. 59) (280 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5) (150 mg). After 2 hours at room temperature, NaCl was added and stirred for 15 min. The mixture was extracted with THF (3 x) and the combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, and filtered. The solid precipitated from the filtrate was cen- trifuged, washed with AcOEt/iPrOH 9:1, to give the title compound I- dk in 55% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): S 8.99 (2H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.35 (1H, t), 4.26 (1H, d), 3.86 (1H, m), 3.40 (2H, t), 3.25-3.00 (6H, m), 2.40-1.10 (19H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.84 (3H, s). Example 90 (E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy- androstane-17-one hydrochoride (I-dl) Prepared in 61% yield as described in Example 89 and starting from 6α-hydroxyraethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-br, Prepn. 59) (280 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4) (150 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.02 (2H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.35 (1H, t), 4.26 (1H, d), 3.86 (1H, m), 3.40 (2H, t), 3.20-3.00 (6H, m), 2.40-1.10 (19H, m), 1.01 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s). Example 91 (E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxyMethylandrostane-17- one hydrochloride (I-dm) Prepared in 80% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 7a- methoxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-bs, Prepn. 60) (200 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidmyloxyamme dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5; (115 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.35 (3H, s), 3.28-3.00 (8H, m), 2.53-0.75 (21H, m), 1.10 (3H, s), 0.90 (3H, s). Example 92 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxyandrostane-17-one fu- marate (I-dn) Prepared in 75% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 7a- methoxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bt, Prepn. 61) (150 mg) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5) (110 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.99 (2H, bb), 6.42 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.35 (3H, s), 3.20-3.00 (6H, m), 2.58-1.00 (21H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 93 (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6α,17β-diol hydrochlo- ride (1-do) Prepared in 85% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α,17β-dihydroxyandrostane-3-one (prepared as described in EP 0825197 B1, 100 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e, Prepn. 5) (60 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO d6. ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H. bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.30-4.20 (2H, m), 3.70-3.50 (2H, m), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 2.50-1.00 (20H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 94 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6β-hydroxyandrostane- 17-one hy- drochloride (I-dp) Prepared in 80% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 66- hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (100 mg) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5) (60 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.02 (2H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.34 (1H, d), 3.75 (1H, m), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 2.50-1.00 (20H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 95 (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-dq) Prepared in 65% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 5α- hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27) (100 mg) and 3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10) (60 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.71 (1H, bs), 6.41 (2H, s), 5.28 (1H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.37-3.10 (7H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 2.25-1.10 (18H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.74 (3H, s). Example 96 (Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-dr) The title compound I-dr was obtained following the procedure de- scribed in Example 1 and starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27. 3 g) and 3-(R)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 1.7 g). The crude product (a mixture 70/30 of the E/Z isomers) was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fu- maric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et20. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I- dr in 32% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.67 (1H, s), 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 5.08 (0.5H, s), 4.95 (0.5H, s), 4.73 (1H, m), 3.51-2.90 (6H, m), 2.62-1.10 (19H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 97 (E) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-ds) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 95. The stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I- ds in 48 % yield as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.64 (0.5H, s), 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 5.08 (0.5H: s), 4.95 (0.5H, s), 4.73 (1H, m), 3.51-2.90 (6H, m), 2.62-1.10 (19H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). Example 98 (Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-dt) To a stirred solution of (Z) 3-[(S)-3-N-(9H-fluoren-9- ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimmo-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane-17-one (II-bu, Prepn. 62, 920 mg) in dry THF (12 mL) at 0 °C, 1M tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.7 mL) was added. Af- ter stirring at room temperature for 3 h, the solution was concentrated to small volume and purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the contrated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. The pre- cipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-dt in 80% yield. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 10.72 (1H, bs), 9.02 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 4.85 (1H. bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H, m). 2.99 (1H. m). 2.70-1.00 (17H. m), 0.84 (3H. s). 0.78 (3H. s). Example 99 (E) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane-17-one fumarate (I-du) To a stirred solution of (E) 3-[(S)-3-N-(9H-fluoren-9- ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5u-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane-17-one (II-bv, Prepn. 62, 930 mg) in dry THF (12 mL) at 0 °C, 1M tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.7 mL) was added. Af- ter stirring at room temperature for 3 h, the solution was concentrated to small volume and purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). The stoichiometric amount of fu- maric acid in MeOH was added, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-du in 80% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.63 (1H, bs), 9.02 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 4.85 (1H, bs), 4.73 (1H. bs), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m). 3.15 (1H, m), 2.99 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 (17H, m), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Example 100 (E.Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-hvdroyximinoandrost-4-ene- 17-one fumarate (I-dv) Prepared as described in Example 1 and starting from 6(E)- hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (II-bw, Prepn. 63) (160 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4) (90 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiOs, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concentrated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, the precipi- tate was filtered to give the title compound I-dv in 70%, yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72 (1H, bs), 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 6.16 (1H, bs), 3.37-3.10 (7H, m), 2.55-1.10 (16H, m), 0.95 (3H, s). 0.83 (3H. s). Example 101 (Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-17- one (I-dw) The title compound I-dw was obtained following the procedure de- scribed in Example 100 and starting from 6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrost- 4-ene-3,17-dione (II-bw, Prepn. 63, 200 mg) and 3-(S)- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4) (110 mg). The crude product (1/1 ratio of the E/Z isomers) was purified by flash chro- matography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). The less polar fractions were evaporated to dryness to give the title compound I-dw in 65% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72 (1H, bs), 6.16 (1H, bs), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.36-3.10 (7H, m), 2.60-1.10 (16H, m). 0.96 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s). Example 102 (E) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-4- ene-17-one (I-dx) Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash chromatography described in Example 101, after evaporation to dry- ness, in 55% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.71 (1H, bs), 6.16 (1H, bs), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.36-3.10 (7H, m), 2.55-1.10 (16H, m), 0.95 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H. s). Preparation 1 4-Piperidyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-a) To a solution of tert-butyl 4-hydroxy-1-piperidinecarboxylate (1.00 g), triphenyl phosphine (2.62 g) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (1.63 g) in THF (55 mL) at 0° C, diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (2.16 mL) was added dropwise. After stirring for 6 hrs. the solvent was evaporated and the crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n- hexane:EtOAc, from 8:2 to 6:4) to give of 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4- phthalimidoxypiperidine (1.48 g, 85%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.87 (4H, m), 4.46 (1H, m), 3.82 (2H, m), 3.23 (2H, m), 1.98 (2H, m), 1.73 (2H, m), 1.45 (9H, s). To a suspension of 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-phthalimidoxypiperidine (430 mg) in MeOH (5 mL), hydrazine (26% in water, 0.23 mL) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 15 min, the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and purified by flash chromatography (SiO2. CH2Cl2:MeOH 9:1) to give of 1-tert- butoxycarbonyl-4-piperidyloxyamine (120 mg, 46%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.86 (2H, bb), 3.55 (3H, m), 3.00 (2H, m), 1.75 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s), 1.32 (2H, m). 1-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-4-piperidyloxyamine (120 mg) was dissolved in a 5M HCl solution in EtOAc (3 mL). After 1 h the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give the title compound III-a (100 mg, 96%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.95 (3H, bb), 8.96 (2H. bb), 4.33 (1H. m), 3.13 (2H, m), 3.00 (2H, m), 2.09 (2H, m), 1.85 (2H, m). Preparation 2 3-Azetidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-b) 1-(Diphenylmethyl)-3-hydroxyazetidine (9.70 g) was suspended in 4.5 M HCl in EtOAc (35 mL) at room temperature and stirred for 10 min. The solvent was then evaporated to dryness to give l-(diphenylmethyl)- 3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride (12.0 g, 100%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.30-7.70 (10H, m), 5.85 (1H, s), 5.80 (1H, d). 4.46 (1H, m), 3.70-4.20 (4H, m). A solution of 1-(dipheny]methyl)-3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride (11.8 g) in absolute ethanol (700 mL) was hydrogenated at room tem- perature over Pd(OH)2/C in a Parr shaker at 4 atm. After 12 hr the catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate evaporated to dryness to give 3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride (4.20 g. 94%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.07 (2H, bb), 6.19 (1H, bb), 4.49 (1H, m), 3.99 (2H, m), 3.71 (2H, m). To a solution of 3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride (2.20 g) and triethyl- amine (4.0 mL) in MeOH (20 mL) at 0° C, di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (3.12 g) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 6 h, the sol- vent was evaporated. The residue was diluted with CH2Cl2, washed with water and the organic phase was evaporated to dryness to give tert-butyl 3-hydroxy-1-azetidinecarboxylate (3.22 g, 93%) which was used without purification in the next step.1H -NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.62 (1H, d), 4.35 (1H, m), 3.96 (2H, m), 3.55 (2H, m), 1.35 (9H, s). To a solution of tert-butyl 3-hydroxy-1-azetidinecarboxylate (2.28 g), triphenyl phosphine (6.80 g) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (4.24 g) in THF (162 mL) at 0 oC, 1,1'-(azodicarbonyl) dipiperidine (7.21 g) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 27 h, the solvent was evaporated and the crude product purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane:EtOAc 6:4) to give 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3- phthalimidoxyazetidine (2.10 g, 50%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.86 (4H, m), 4.98 (1H, m), 4.12 (2H, m). 3.95 (2H, m), 1.38 (9H, s). tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxyazetidine (1.00 g) was dissolved in 5M EtOAc (10 mL). After 5 hrs, the mixture was filtered and 3- phtathalimidoxyazetidine hydrochloride was obtained after evapora- tion of the filtrate (0.90 g, 100%) and used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.28 (2H, bb), 7.88 (4H, m), 5.09 (1H, m), 4.28 (2H, m), 4.13 (2H, m). To a solution of 3-phtathalimidoxyazetidine hydrochloride (0.90 g) in MeOH (20 mL), hydrazine hydrate (0.15 mL) was added. After 6 hr, water was added, the solvent concentrated and 1N HCl (10 mL) was added. After 30 min the white solid was filtered and the filtrate was freeze-dried to give the title compound III-b (500 mg. 100%). lH NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.00 (3H, bb), 9.58 (1H, bb), 9.32 (1H, bb), 5.06 (1H, m), 4.18 (2H, m), 4.01 (2H, m). Preparation 3 3(RS)-Pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-c) Following the procedure described described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (RS) 3-hydroxypyrrolidine (2.15 g), (RS) 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3- pyrrolidinol was obtained (4.10 g, 89%) and used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.98 (1H, d), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.30-3.00 (4H, m), 1.90-1.60 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s). Following the procedure described described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (RS) l-tert-butoxycarbonylpyrrolidin-3-ol (4.10 g), (RS) 1-tert- butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxypyrrolidine was obtained, after purifi- cation by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:n-hexane:acetone 5:4:1) (3.10 g, 40%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.86 (4H, m), 4.88 (1H, m), 3.65-3.35 (4H, m), 2.20-1.90 (2H, m), 1.41 (9H, s). Following the procedure described described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (RS) 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxypyrrolidine (1.08 g), (RS) 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine hydrochloride was obtained as a yellow oil (480 mg, 74%), after purification by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2tOAc 8:2). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6. ppm from TMS): δ 6.00 (2H, bb), 4.08 (1H, m), 3.45-3.05 (4H, m), 2.00-1.70 (2H, m), 1.38 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (RS) l-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine hydrochloride (480 mg), (RS) 3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-c) was obtained (294 mg. 75%) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 11.01 (3H, bb), 9.62 (1H, bb), 9.46 (1H, bb), 4.94 (1H, m), 3.50- 3.05 (4H, m), 2.35-2.00 (2H. m). Preparation 4 3(S)-Pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (R)-3- pyrrolidinol, (R)-N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinol was obtained and used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.98 (1H, d), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.30-3.00 (4H, m). 1.90-1.60 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (R)- N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinol (4.00 g), (S) 1-tert- butoxycarbonyl-3-O-phthalimidoxypyrrolidine was obtained (2.50 g, 35%). after flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:n-hexane:acetone 5:4:1), 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.86 (10H, m), 4.88 (1H, m), 3.65-3.35 (4H, m), 2.22-1.88 (2H, m), 1.41 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S) 1- tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxyrrolidine (2.50 g) (S) 1-tert- butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine was obtained (1.49 g, 98%) as a green oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.87 (1H, d), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.30-3.00 (4H, m), 1.90-1.60 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S) 1- tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine (1.67 g), (S) 3- pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride was obtained (1.04 g, 73%) as an off-white solid. 1H-NMH (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.09 (3H, bb), 9.64 (1H, bb), 9.47 (1H, bb), 4.95 (1H, m), 3.55-3.00 (4H, m), 2.35-1.95 (2H, m). Preparation 5 3(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxvamine dihydrochloride (III-e) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (S)-3- hydroxypyrrolidine hydrochloride (15.0 g), N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-(S)- pyrrolidinol (21.4 g, 95% yield) was obtained and used without purifi- cation in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.87 (1H, d), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.30-3.00 (4H, m), 1.90-1.60 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s). To a solution of N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-(S)-pyrrolidinol (10.0 g) and triethylamine (8.2 mL) in CH2Cl2 (150 mL) at 0° C, methanesulfonyl chloride (4.34 mL) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 3 h, the reaction mixture was poured into ice/water and extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic phase was washed with 5% aqueous NaHCO3, wa- ter, brine, dried and evaporated to dryness to give an oil which solidi- fied after standing overnight in the refrigerator. The solid was tritu- rated with Et2O to give N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-(S)-3-pyrrolidinyl methansulfonate (13.0 g, 92%) as a light yellow solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.23 (1H, m), 3.60-3.10 (4H, m), 3.23 (3H, s), 2.11 (2H, m), 1.39 (9H, s). To a suspension of KOH powder (4.86 g) in DMSO (250 mL) under vig- orous stirring, benzophenone oxime (7.86 g) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 30 min, a solution of N-tert-butoxycarbonyl- (S)-3-pyrrolidinyl methansulfonate (10 g) in DMSO (70 mL) was added. After 18 h at room temperature the reaction was poured into iced wa- ter (900 mL) and extracted with Et2O. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried and the solvent evaporated. Ben- zophenone O-[(R)-3-pyrrolidinyl]oxime was obtained (13.0 g, 96%) as a white solid and used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.50-7.20 (10H, m), 4.84 (1H, m), 3.50-3.00 (4H, m), 2.01 (2H, m), 1.38 (9H, s). Benzophenone 0-[(R)-3-pyrrolidinyl]oxime (13.0 g) was suspended in 6N HCl (250 mL) and the mixture was refluxed for 2 h. After cooling, the reaction was extracted with Et2O. The aqueous layer was evapo- rated to give a crude brown solid which was treated with 0.34 g of acti- vated carbon in absolute EtOH (255 mL) at reflux for 2 h. The solid ob- tained after evaporation was crystallized with 96% EtOH (40 mL) to give the title compound III-e (2.98 g, 72%), as an off white solid. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.22 (3H, bb), 9.74 (1H, bb), 9.54 (1H, bb), 4.98 (1H, m), 3.60-3.00 (4H, m), 2.40-2.00 (2H, m). Preparation 6 2(R)-Pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine dihvdrochloride (III-f) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R)-1- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (1.50 g), (R)-1-(tert- butoxycarbonyl)-2-(phthalimidoxymethyl)pyrrolidine was obtained (1.70 g. 66%) after purification by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:n-hexane:acetone 50:45:5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.87 (4H, m), 4.34 (1H, m), 4.20-3.95 (2H, m), 3.32 (2H, m), 2.35-1.80 (4H, m), 1.37 (9H. s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R)-1- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-(phthalimidoxymethyl)pyrrolidine (1.21 g), (R)- l-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine was obtained (0.76 g. 100%) from the residue of the evaporation by washing with EtOAc and filtration and used without purification. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.01 (2H, bb), 4.00-3.00 (5H, m), 1.77 (4H, m), 1.38 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R)-1- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine (0.76 g), (R)-2- pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-f) was obtained from the crude by washing with EtOH and filtering (0.60 g, 90%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.07 (3H, bb), 9.84 (2H, bb), 4.26 (2H. m). 3.79 (1H. m). 3.14 (2H. m), 2.15-1.50 (4H. m). Preparation 7 2(S)-Pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine dihydrochloride (III-g) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S)-1- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (1.50 g), (S)-1-(tert- butoxycarbonyl)-2-(phthalimidoxymethyl)pyrrolidine was obtained (1.70 g, 66%) after purification by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:n-hexane:acetone 50:45:5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.86 (4H, m), 4.25-3.80 (3H, m), 3.21 (2H, m), 2.20-1.70 (4H, m), i.30(9H. s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S)-1- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-(phthalimidoxymethyl)pyrrolidine (1.46 g), (S)- l-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinylmethoxy-amine was obtained (0.73 g, 80%) from the residue of the evaporation by washing with EtOAc and filtration and used without purification 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.02 (2H, bb), 3.86 (1H, m), 3.60-3.30 (2H, m), 3.18 (2H, m), 1.76 (4H, m), 1.38 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S)-1- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine (730 mg), (S)-2- pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine dihydrochloride (III-g) was obtained from the crude by washing with EtOH. (600 mg, 90%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.12 (3H, bb), 9.83 (2H, bb), 4.26 (2H, m), 3.79 (1H, m), 3.14 (2H, m), 2.10-1.50 (4H, m). Preparation 8 3(RS)-Piperidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-h) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (R.S) 3-hydroxypiperidine hydrochloride (1.00 g), (R,S) tert-butyl 3-hydroxy- 1-piperidinecarboxylate was obtained (1.50 g. 75%) as a white solid. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6 ppm from TMS): δ 4.82 (111. d). 3.72 (1H. m), 3.60 (1H, m), 3.34 (1H, m), 2.76 (1H, m), 2.60 (1H, m). 1.85-1.20 (4H, m), 1.37 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R.S) tert-butyl 3-hydroxy-1-piperidinecarboxylate (1.00 g), (R,S) tert- butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxypiperidine was obtained (1.00 g, 70%), after purification by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:n hexane:acetone 3:6:1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.87 (4H, m), 4.20 (1H, m), 3.80-3.00 (4H, m). 2.00-1.30 (4H, m), 1.35 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R,S) tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxypiperidine (600 mg), 1-tert- butoxycarbonyl-3-(R,S)-piperidinyloxyamine was obtained (335 mg, 90%) as an oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.87 (2H, bb), 4.35 (1H, m), 3.60-3.10 (4H. m), 1.90-1.20 (4H, m), 1.37 (9H, s). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from 1- tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-(R,S) piperidinyloxyamine (200 mg) and 2N HCl in Et20 (1.5 mL), 3-(R,S)-piperidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-h) was obtained (138 mg, 100%) as an off white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6 ppm from TMS): δ 11.07 (3H, bb), 9.55 (1H, bb), 8.83 (1H, bb), 4.45 (1H, m), 3.31 (2H, m), 2.96 (2H, m), 2.00-1.50 (4H, m). Preparation 9 3-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyloxvamine dihydrochloride (III-i) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from 3-(R)- (1-methyl)pyrrolidinol (3.2 g), 3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl methansul- fonate was obtained (5.0 g, 73 %) as a light yellow solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 5.18-5.08 (1H, m), 3.15 (3H, s), 2.80- 2.55 (3H, ml, 2.35-2.15 (5H. m). 1.95-1.80 (1H. m). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from ben- zophenone oxime (5.9 g) and 3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl methansul- lonate (5.0 g) benzophenone 0-[3-(S)-(1-Mthyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxime was obtained (7.8 g, quantitative yield) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.50-7.20 (10H, m), 4.87 (1H. m), 2.80 2.60 (3H, m), 2.40-2.15 (5H, m), 1.95-1.80 (1H, m). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from ben- zophenone 0-[3-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxime (7.8 g), the title com- pound III-i was obtained (3.8 g, 70%), as an off white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.50-10.50 (4H, bb), 5.00-4.85 (1H, bb), 3.60-3.00 (7H, m), 2.40-2.00 (2H, m). Preparation 10 3-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from 3-(S)- (1-methyl)pyrrolidinol (3.2 g), 3-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl methansul- fonate was obtained (5.0 g, 73%) and used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.18-5.08 (1H, m), 3.15 (3H, s), 2.80-2.55 (3H, m), 2.35-2.15 (5H, m), 1.95-1.80 (1H, m). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from 3-(S)- (1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl methansulfonate (5.0 g), benzophenone 0-[3-(R)- (1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxime was obtained (7.8 g, quantitative yield) as a white solid and used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.50-7.20 (10H, m), 4.87 (1H, m), 2.80-2.60 (3H, m), 2.40-2.15 (5H, m), 1.95-1.80 (1H, m). Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from ben- zophenone O-[3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxime (7.8 g), the title com- pound III-j was obtained (4.0 g, 74%) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.50-10.50 (4H, bb), 5.00-4.85 (1H, bb), 3.60-3.00 (7H, m). 2.40-2.00 (2H, m). Preparation 11 5α-hydroxyandrostane-3.17-dione (II-aa) To a stirred solution of 3β- hydroxyandrost-4-en-17-one (0.81g) in CH2Cl2 (7.4 mL) cooled at 0 °C, a solution of mCPBA (0.77 mg) in CH2Cl2 (13.6 mL) was added dropwise. After 0.5 h at 0 °C and 0.5 h at room temperature, a 10% aqueous solution of Na2SO3 was added. The mixture was neutralized by addition of 5% NaHCO3 solution and ex- tracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n- hexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 60/20/20) to give 3β- hydroxy-5α,6α- epoxyandrostane-17-one (0.64 g. 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.62 (1H, d), 3.52 (1H, m), 2.87 (1H, d), 2.44-0.56 (19H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.72 (3H, s). To a stirred suspension of LiAlH4 (0.247mg) in THF under N2 (10.5 mL), a solution of 3β- hydroxy-5α,6α-epoxyandrostane-17-one (0.64 g) in THF (20 mL) was added drop wise and the mixture was stirred at re- flux for 8 h. The suspension was cooled with an ice bath and then quenched by careful addition of H2O (1 mL) and 4N NaOH (0.20 mL). The mixture was filtered through a Celite pad and the filter cake was washed with THF (3 x 10 mL). The filtrate was dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to dryness and the residue was purified by flash chroma- tography (SiO2, n-hexane/ CH2Cl2/acetone 40/30/30) to give androstane- 3β,5α,17β-triol (0.48 g, 74%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.37 (1H, d), 4.19 (1H, d), 3.78 (1H, m), 3.62 (1H, s), 3.39 (1H, m), 1.87-0.80 (21H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.59 (3H, s). A solution of androstane-3β,5α, 17β-triol (0.48g) and IBX (0.72 g) in DMSO (8 mL) was stirred at -15 °C overnight and then quenched at room temperature by addition of H2O (40 mL). After stirring for 15 min. the mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with EtOAc. The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3 x 40 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 60/20/20) to give the title compound II-aa (0.36 g, 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.48 (1H, s), 2.72 (1H, d), 2.60-1.18 (20H, m), 1.23 (3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s). Preparation 12 3,17-Dioxoandrostane-6α-yl nitrate (II-ab) To a solution of acetic anhydride (2.53 mL) and 65% HNO3 (0.592 mL) cooled at 0 °C, 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6α-ol ( 2.5 g) was added in one portion. After 2 h the mixture was quenched by careful addition of ice and 5% aqueous NaHCO3 solution and was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dryness to give 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6α-yl nitrate as a white solid (2.50 g, 89%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.94 (1H, m), 3.94-3.75 (8H, m), 2.24-0.74 (20H, m), 0.98 (3H, s), 0.85 (3H, s). A solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6α-yl nitrate (2.50 g) and pTSA . H2O (6.05 g) in acetone (150 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h. The solution was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous NaHCO3, and acetone was evaporated. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH2O2 (3 x 50 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohex- ane/Acetone/CH2Cl2 70/15/15) to give the title compound II-ab as a white solid (1.66 g. 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6. ppm from TMS): 5 5.09 (1H, ddd), 2.60-0.95 (17H, m), 1.25 (3H, s), 0.90 (3H, s). Preparation 13 6-Methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac) To a stirred suspension of methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (9.50 g) in dry THF (77 mL) cooled at 0 °C under N2. potassium tert-butoxide (2.91 g) was added. After stirring for 10 min, a solution of 3,3:17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6-one (2.60 g) in dry THF (77mL) was added dropwise at room temperature over 0.5 h. After 0.5 h at room temperature, the mixture was quenched by addition of 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution and extracted with Et2O (2 x 60mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/EtOAc 85/15) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-methyleneandrostane (2.66 g, 97 %). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.68 (HI, m), 4.36 (1H, m), 3.88-3.71 (8H, m), 2.27-0.78 (20H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.62 (3H, s). A solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-methyleneandrostane (1.05 g) and pTSA • H2O (2.46 g) in acetone (105 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The solution was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous NaHCO3 and acetone was evaporated. The aqueous suspen- sion was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give the title compound II-ac in 87% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace- tone-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 4.85 (1H, m), 4.50 (1H, m), 2.63-1.02 (20H, m), 0.92 (3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s). Preparation 14 6α-Hydroxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ad) To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) 6- methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 13, 2.89 g) in dry THF (29 mL) at 0 °C under N2, 1M BH3THF complex in THF (5.21 mL) was added. After completing the addition, the mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 3 h. H2O (2.3 mL) was cautiously added dropwise followed by 3N NaOH (3 mL) and 9.8 M H2O2 (0.91 mL). After stirring at room temperature over- night, H2O (20 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The resi- due was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 45/55) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6β-hydroxymethylandrostane (2.86 g, 95%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 3.94- 3.75 (8H, m), 3.52 (2H, m), 3.36 (1H, t), 2.05-0.65 (21H, m), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s). To a solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6β-hydroxymethyl- androstane (0.63 g) in DMSO (6 mL), IBX (0.87 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The mixture was quenched by ad- dition of H2O (30 mL) and Et2O (30 mL). After stirring for 15 min, the mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with Et2O. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et2O (3 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 75/35) to give 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6β-formylandrostane (0.52 g, 83%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.92 (1H, d), 3.96-3.75 (8H, m), 2.32-0.68 (21H, m), 0.81 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s), A mixture of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6β-formylandrostane (0.61 g), K2CO3 (0.90 g) in MeOH (57 mL) was stirred overnight at room tem- perature.After evaporation, the residue was treated with H2O (20 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (3 x 20 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formylandrostane (0.57 g. 94%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. acetone-d6. ppm from TMS): 5 9.41 (1H, d), 3.95-3.72 (8H, m). 2.24-0.73 (21H, m), 0.90 (3H, s), 0.84 (3H, s). To a stirred suspension of 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formyl- undrostane (0.52 g) in dioxane/H2O 9/1 (25 mL), NaBH4 (0.049 g) was added and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. To the solution NaCl was added and the layers were separated. The aque- ous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3 x). The combined organic ex- tracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethyl- androstane (0.45 g, 86%) 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.94-3.75 (8H. m).3.57-3.25 (3H, m). 1.98-0.60 (21H. m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s). The title compound II-ad was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-de, ppm from TMS): 5 3.50 (3H, m), 2.52-0.74 (21H, m), 1.11 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s). Preparation 15 6α-Methoxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ae) To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α- hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 14, 0.80 g) in dry THF (11 mL) at 0 °C, under N2, NaH (60% dispersion, 96 mg) was added. After stirring the mixture at 0 °C for 1 h, CH3I (144 µL) was added. After stirring overnight at room temperature, H2O (10 mL) was added and the mix- ture extracted with EtOAc (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The resi- due was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/acetone 90/10) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-methoxymethylandrostane (0.70 g? 84%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.92- 3.70 (8H, m). 3.25 (1H. dd), 3.23 (3H, s). 3.14 (1H, dd), 1.97-0.59 (21H. m). 0.85 (3H. s), 0.82 (3H. s). The title compound II-ae was prepared in 88% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-methoxymethylandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.25 (3H, s), 3.24 (2H, m), 2.53- 0.75 (21H, m), 1.11 (3H, s), 0.87 (3H, 3). Preparation 16 6α-Carbamoylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-af) 6α-Formylandrostane-3,17-dione was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-fornrylandrostane (Prepn. 14) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methylene- androstane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic ex- tracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 6α-formylandrostane-3,17-dione. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.50 (1H, d), 2.56-0.82 (21H, m), 1.16 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s). To a stirred suspension of 6α-formylandrostane-3,17-dione (1.77 g) in t- ButOH (35 mL) and 5% aqueous Na2HPO4 solution (21.5 mL), 1N aqueous KMnO4 (35 mL) was added. After 5 minutes at room tempera- ture, the mixture was quenched by addition of 40% aqueous NaHSO3 solution. The suspension was filtered, washed with H2O and the fII- trate was freeze-dried. The residue was taken up with H2O (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (4 x70 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 6α- carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (1.80 g, 96%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace- tone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.99 (1H, bb), 2.46-0.73 (21H. m), 1.01 (3H, s),0.79(3H. s). To a stirred suspension of 6α-carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (1.20 g) in dry toluene (12 mL), SOCl2 (1.2 mL) was added. After stirring 5.5 h at 85 °C the solution was cooled at 0 °C and 2M NH3 solution in THF (6 mL) was added. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the mix- ture was evaporated to dryness. The residue was treated with CH2Cl2 and H2O and extracted with CH2Cl2. The combined organic extracts were washed with 10% K2CO3 solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatogra- phy (Si02, n-hexane/acetone 50/50) to give the title compound H-af (720 mg, 60%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.27 (1H, bs), 6.78 (1H, bs), 2.50-0.72 (21H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). Preparation 17 6α-Methoxycarbonylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ag) To a stirred solution of 6α-carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (Prepn. 16, 680 mg) in CH2Cl2 (30 mL) at 0 °C, MeOH (160 µL), DMAP (20 mg) and EDAC (800 mg) were added. After stirring overnight at room tempera- ture, H2O was added and the mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was puri- fied by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40) to give the title compound II-ag (500 mg, 70 %). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.59 (3H, s), 2.53-0.75 (21H. m), 1.02 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s). Preparation 18 6-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ah) To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6-one (1.10 g) in THF (22 mL) a solution of NH2OH HCl (0.33 g), Na2HPO4-12H2O (1.71 g) in H2O (7.2 mL) was added. After stirring overnight at room temperature. NaCl was added and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dry- ness to give 3,3:17.17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (1.08 g. 93%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 10.34 (1H, s), 3.88-3.71 (8H, m). 3.16 (1H, dd), 2.22-0.86 (19H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.64 (3H, s). The title compound II-ah was prepared in 70% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/acetone 70/30). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.61 (1H, s), 3.29 (1H, dd), 2.61- 1.03 (19H, m), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s). Preparation 19 6α-Methylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ai) To a stirred solution of DABCO (0.55 g) and 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylen- dioxy)-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 14, 1.00 g) in dry CH2Cl2 (20 mL), under N2 at 0 °C, p-TSCl (0.703 g) was added. After stirring 2 h at room temperature, the mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with CH2Cl2. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was triturated with n-hexane/EtOAc (60/40) and filtered. After drying under vacuum at 40 °C, 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-[4-methyl(ben- zenesulfonyloxy)methyl]androstane (1.11 g, 80%) was obtained. 1H- NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 7.82 (2H, m), 7.49 (2H, m), 4.00-3.74 (10H, m), 2.46 (3H, s), 1.97-0.57 (21H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). To a stirred solution of NaBH4 (0.15 g) in dry DMSO (90 mL), under N2, 3.3:17.17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α- [4-methyl(benzenesulfonyloxy) methyl]androstane (1.11 g) was added in portions over 15 min. After stirring for 3 h at 80 °C, the mixture was quenched at room tempera- ture by careful addition of H2O (200 mL). The suspension was ex- tracted with Et2O. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The mixture was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 90/10) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-methylandrostane (0.70 g, 90%). 1H- NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.94-3.72 (8H, m), 1.98- 0.53 (21H, m), 0.85 (3H, a), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, d). The title compound II-ai was prepared in 94% yield from 3.3:17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-methylandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.77-0.75 (21H, m), 1.18 (3H, s), 0.98 (3H, d), 0.90 (3H, s). Preparation 20 6α-Formamidoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ai) To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyimino- androstane (Prepn. 18, 0.88 g) in n-PrOH (26 mL), Na (2.0 g) was added in small pieces over 20 min. The mixture was stirred at reflux for 2 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was quenched by careful addition of MeOH. To the solution H2O was added carefully and the organic solvent was evaporated. The mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The mix- ture was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-amino- androstane (0.45 g, 53%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6;, ppm from TMS): δ 3.87-3.70 (8H, m), 2.29 (1H, m), 1.98-0.50 (22H, m), 0.75 (3H, s), 0.74 (3H,s) A 2 M solution of formic acid in CHCl3 (0.67 mL) was added dropwise to a solution of DCC (106 mg) in CHCl3 at 0 °C. The mixture was stirred for further 5 min and then added to an ice-cooled solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-aminoandrostane (100 mg) in pyridine (0.70 mL) over 30 min. The mixture was then stirred in an ice bath for 4 h. Evaporation of the solvent was followed by addition of Et20. The precipitate was removed by filtration and washed with Et20. The com- bined organic extracts were evaporated to dryness to give 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formamidoandrostane (100 mg, 95%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): S 7.98-7.43 (2H, m). 3.89-3.00 (9H. m), 1.93-0.50 (20H, m), 0.81 (3H, 3), 0.77 (3H, s). The title compound II-aj was prepared in 96% Weld from 3,3:17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formamidoandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.02-7.56 (2H, m), 3.74 (1H, m), 2.54-0.70 (20H, m), 1.04 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). Preparation 21 6-Difluoromethyleneandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ak) To a stirred solution of diethyl difluoromethylenephosphonate (0.67µL) in DME (5.75 mL) in n-pentane (1.1 mL) at -78 °C. 1.5 M pentane solu- tion of tert-butyllithium (2.75 mL) was added dropwise under argon. After 15 min at the same temperature, a solution of 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6-one (0.50 g) in DME (4.5 mL) and n- pentane (1.25 mL) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at -78 °C for further 30 min and warmed up to room temperature. n-Pentane was distilled off and after heating at 80 °C for 4 h the mixture was quenched with H2O and extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined or- ganic extracts were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/Et2O 70/30) to give 3,3:17.17-bis(ethylendioxy)-(3-difluromethylene- androstane (0.47g, 85%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.85 (8H, m), 2.52-0.80 (20H, m), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.84 (3H, s). The title compound II-ak was prepared in 99'.. yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-difluoromethyleneandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.85-0.95 (20H, m), 1.12 (3H, s). 0.88 (3H, s). Preparation 22 6-(Spirocvclopropane)androstane-3.17-dione (II-al) To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-methylene- androstane (Prepn. 13, 200 mg) in dry toluene (10 mL) under N2, 1 M Et2Zn in n-hexane (2.5 mL) was added. After heating at 60 °C, CH2l2 (0.42 mL) was added in portions over 15 min. After 26 h the mixture was cooled and quenched by careful addition of 1N HCl. The suspen- sion was extracted with Et2O. The combined organic extracts were washed with 5% aqueous NaHCO3 solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was dissolved in acetone (20 raL) and pTSA H2O (39 mg) was added and the solution stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The solution was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous NaHCO3 and acetone was evaporated. The aqueous sus- pension was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n- hexane/CH2Cl2/EtOAc 90/5/5) to give the title compound II-al (78 mg, 48%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS: δ 2.51-0.83 (20H, m), 1.17 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.60 (1H, m), 0.41 (1H, m), 0.34 (1H, m), - 0.08 (1H, m). Preparation 23 6α-Ethynylandrostane-3.17-dione (Ham) To a stirred solution of (chloromethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride (1.20 g) in dry THF (20 mL) at -78 °C under argon, 1.6 M n- butyllithium in n-hexane (1.5 mL) was added dropwise. After 30 min at room temperature, a solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α- formylandrostane (Prepn. 14, 0.28 g) in dry THF (7 mL) was added dropwise. The mixture was heated at 70 °C for 1 h and then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was quenched by addition of brine and extracted with EtOAc (3 x). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was dis- solved in dry THF (20 mL) and stirred at -78 °C. To the resulting solu- tion 1.6 M n-butyllithium in n-hexane (2.24 mL) under argon was added dropwise. After 1 h at room temperature the mixture was quenched by addition of brine and extracted with Et2O (3 x). The com- bined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dry- ness to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-ethynylandrostane (160 mg, 46%), sufficiently pure to be used in the next step without further puri- fication. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 3.85 (8H, m), 2.46 (1H, d), 2.30-0.67 (21H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s). The title compound II-am was prepared in 46% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-ethynylandrostane by the procedure described for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 80/10/10). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.69-0.78 (22H, m), 1.12 (3H, s), 0.87 (3H, s). Preparation 24 6α-(2-Hydroxyethyl)androstane-3,17-dione (II-an) 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-vinylandrostane was prepared in 70% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethyIendioxy)-6α-formylandrostane (Prepn. 14) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 13). The crude was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane/ EtOAc 88/12). 1H- NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.47 (1H, m). 4.91 (2H, m), 3.94-3.73 (8H, m), 2.00-0.67 (21H, m), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s). 3.3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-(2-hydroxyethyl)anclrostane was pre- pared in 96% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-vinylandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethyl-androstane (Prepn. 14). The crude was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane/acetone 80/20). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.25 (1H, t), 3.86-3.70 (8H, m), 3.35 (2H, m), 1.91-0.42 (23H, m), 0.75 (3H, s), 0.74 (3H, s). The title compound II-an was prepared in 100% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)- 6α -(2-hydroxyethyl)androstane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 nd evaporated to dryness. 1H-MR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.32 (1H, t), 3.39 (2H, m), 2.46-0.54 (23H, m), 0.98 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s). Preparation 25 6-(E)-Methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ao) 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane was pre- pared in 90% yield from 3,3:17,7-bis(ethylendioxy)androstan-6-one (1.00 g) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 18). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2O4 filtered and evaporated to dryness to give 3,3:17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane (1.04 g, 97%). 1H- NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.94-3.76 (8H, m), 3.73 (3H, s). 3.22 (1H, dd), 2.29-0.95 (19H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s). The title compound II-ao was prepared in 70% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.78 (3H, s), 3.37 (1H, dd), 2.68- 1.14 (19H, m), 1.01 (3H, s), 0.98 (3H, s). Preparation 26 5α-Hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ap) To a stirred solution of 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (0.81 g) in CH2Cl2 (7.4 mL) cooled at 0 °C, a solution of mCPBA (0.77 mg) in CH2CI2 (14 mL) was added drop wise. After 0.5 h at 0 °C and 0.5 h at room temperature, a 10% Na2SO3 aqueous solution was added. The mixture was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous NaHCO3 solution and extracted with CH3Cl3 (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic ex- tracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dryness to give 5α,6α-epoxyandrostan-17-one and 5β,6β- epoxyandrostan-17-one as a white foam (1/1 mixture; 1.24 g, 97%). 1H NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): 3β-hydroxy-5α,6α- epoxyandrostan-17-one 5 3.26 (1H, d), 2.96 (1H, d), 2.70-1.12 (18H, m), 1.36 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s); 3β-hydroxy-5β,6β-epoxyandrostan-17-one: 5 2.98 (1H, d), 2.93 (1H, d), 2.71-1.13 (18H, m), 1.06 (3H, s), 0.84 (3H, s). To a solution of a 1/1 mixture of 3β-hydroxy-5α,6α-epoxyandrostane-17- one and 3β-hydroxy-5β,6β-epoxyandrostan-17-one (2.10 g, 6.90 mmol) in acetone (38 mL), Jones reagent (8.35 mL) was added dropwise, maintaining the temperature below 40 °C. 5 min after completion of the addition, i-PrOH (10 mL) was added and, after further 10 min, the suspension was filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was treated with H2O (300 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3 x100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O (100 mL), 5% aqueous NaHCO3 solution (100 mL), H2O (100 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 5α-hydroxyandrostane- 3,6,17 trione as a white solid (1.65 g, 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace- tone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.00 (1H, s), 2.85 (2H, m), 2.45-1.25 (17H, m), 1.06 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s). A solution of 5α-hydroxyandrostane-3,6.17-trione (2.23 g) and pTSA H2O (80 mg) in 2-methyl-2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolane (29 mL) was stirred at 40 °C for 6 h. The solution was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous Na2HPO4 and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, cyclohex- ane/acetone/CH2Cl2 80/10/10) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α- hydroxyandrostane 6-one (1.56 g, 55%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS: δ 4.36 (lH, s), 4.07-3.74 (8H, m), 2.64 (1H. m), 2.10- 1.17 (18H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). To a stirred suspension of methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (14.1 g) in dry THF (240 mL) cooled at 0 °C under N2, potassium tert- butoxide (4.31 g) was added. After stirring for 10 min, a solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxyandrostane-6-one (4.00 g) in dry THF (77mL) was added dropwise at room temperature over 0.5 h. Af- ter 2 h at room temperature, the mixture was quenched by addition of 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution and extracted with EtOAc (2 x 100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with 5% NaH2PO4 aque- ous solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane /CH2Cl2/acetone 80/10/10) to give 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-5α- hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostune (2.40 g,. 60 V). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.71 (1H, bs), 4.51 (1H, bs), 4.12 (1H, s), 3.95-3.65 (8H, m), 2.10-1.10 (18H, m), 0.72 (3H, s), 0.70 (3H, s). The title compound II-ap was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17- dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane/AcOEt 60/40). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 4.91 (1H, s), 4.81 (1H, bs), 4.58 (1H. bs). 2.82 (1H, d), 2.42-1.10 (17H, m), 0.94 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). Preparation 27 5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-aq) 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α- hydroxyandrostan-6-one (Prepn. 26) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ah, Prepn. 18). The crude was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/acetone/CH2Cl-2 70/15/15). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: δ 10.45 (1H, s), 4.33 (1H, s), 3.96-3.69 (8H, m), 2.96 (1H, dd), 2.02-1.08 (18H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.71 (3H, s). The title compound II-aq was prepared in 80% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6- methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined or- ganic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evapo- rated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2. n-hexane /acetone/CH2Cl2 60/20/20). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace- tone-d6. ppm from TMS: δ 10.72 (1H. s), 5.35 (1H. s). 3.12 (1H, dd).2.85-1.09 (18H, m), 0.94 (3H. s), 0.78 (3H, s). Preparation 28 5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)-Methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ar) 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α- hydroxyandrostane-6-one (Prepn. 26) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ah, Prepn. 18). The crude was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/Acetone/CH2Cl2 70/15/15). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.42 (1H, s), 3.95-3.75 (8H, m), 3.70 (3H, s), 2.87 (1H, dd), 2.00-1.10 (18H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.72 (3H, s). The title compound II-ar was prepared in 80% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methelene- androstane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic ex- tracts were washed with H2O. dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n- hexane /acetone/CH2Cl2 60/20/20). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 5.46 (1H, s), 3.75 (3H, s), 3.20-2.93 (1H, dd), 2.86-2.75 (1H, d), 2.30-1.10 (17H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). Preparation 29 Androstane-3,7,17-trione (II-as) A mixture of 3β-acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione (7.97 g) and 10% Pd/C (0.80 g) in EtOH (0.5 L) was stirred under H2 at atm pressure for 2 h. The mixture was filtered through Celite and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The crude product was crystallized from Et2O to give 3β- acetoxyandrostane-7.17-dione (4.75 g. 60%) 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace- tone-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 4.57 (1H, m), 2.66-0.96 (20H, m), 1.96 (3H, s), 1.05 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). To a solution of 3β-acetoxyandrostane-7,17-dione in MeOH (156 raL), 5N NaOH (54 mL) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 10 min the solution was evaporated and the residue extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness to give 3β- hydroxyandrostane-7,17-dione (1.70 g, 95%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace- tone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.56 (1H, d), 3.35 (1H, m), 2.66-0.87 (20H. m), 1.02 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s). To a stirred solution of 3β-hydroxyandrostane-7,17-dione (1.60 g), TPAP (0.09 mg), NMNO (1.43 g) under N2 in CH2Cl2 (100 mL), molecu- lar sieve type 4 Ǻ powder (2.6 g) was added. After 0.5 h the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2) to give the title compound II-as (1.29 g, 81%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.82-1.12 (20H, m), 1.39 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s). Preparation 30 7-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-at) 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7-one was prepared in 82% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-5-androsten-7-one by the proce- dure described above for the preparation of 3β-acetoxyandrostane-7,17- dione (Prepn. 29) using EtOAc instead of EtOH. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 6/4). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS: 5 3.96-3.75 (8H, m), 2.54-1.10 (20H, m), 1.13 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s). 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane was pre- pared in 95% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstan-7-one by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3.3:17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 18). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH 9/1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 6 10.17 (1H, s), 3.88-3.70 (8H, m), 2.89 (1H. m). 2.23-0.71 (19H. m), 0.90 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). The title compound II-at was prepared in 50% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 6/4). 1H- NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 5 10.37 (1H, s). 2.99 (1H. m), 2.58-0.67 (19H, m), 1.12 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s). Preparation 31 7-(E)-Methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-au) 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane was pre- pared in 90% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstan-7-one by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 18). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, CHiCb/MeOH 9/1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 5 3.88-3.70 (8H, m). 3.69 (3H, s), 2.79 (1H, m), 2.28-0.72 (19H, m), 0.89 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). The title compound II-au was prepared in 55% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The crude product was purified by flash chroma- tography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 6/4). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 6 3.72 (3H, s), 2.89 (1H, m), 2.63-0.93 (19H, m), 1.12 (3H, s). 0.82 (3H, s). Preparation 32 7-(E)-Allyloxyiminooandrostane-3,17-dione (II-av) 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-allyloxyiminoandrostane was pre- pared in 86% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7-one by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 18). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n- hexane/EtOAc 6/4). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.98 (1H. m), 5.23 (1H. m), 5.12 (1H, m), 4.48 (2H, ddd), 3.97-3.88 (8H. m), 2.98 (1H, m), 2.32 (1H, m), 2.24 (1H, t), 2.00-1.00 (16H, m), 1.00 (3H, s). 0.95 (1H, m), 0.85 (3H, s). The title compound II-av was prepared in 76% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-allyloxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The crude product was purified by flash chromatog- raphy (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 8/2). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.98 (1H, m), 5.24 (1H, m), 5.14 (1H, m), 4.48 (2H, m), 2.40-1.10 (20H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s). Preparation 33 7-Methyleneandrostane-3.17-dione (II-aw) The 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7-one by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-raethyleneandrostane (Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evapo- rated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.67 (1H, m), 4.60 (1H, m). 3.86 (8H, m), 2.20-1.10 (20H, m), 0.97 (3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s). The title compound II-aw was prepared in 87% yield from 3.3: 17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O. dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.70 (1H, m), 4.62 (1H, m), 2.20-1.10 (20H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H. s). Preparation 34 7α-Hydroxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-av). and 7β-Hydroxymethyl- androstane-3,17-dione (II-aw) 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane and 3,3:17,17 -bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-hydroxymethylandrostane were prepared in 10% and 70% yield, respectively, from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7- methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 33, 2.9g) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxy- methylandrostane (Prepn. 14). The residue was purified by flash chro- matography (Si02, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40). 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)- 7α-hydroxymethylandrostane 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.85-3.75 (8H, m), 3.67 (2H, m), 3.34 (1H, t), 2.00-0.90 (21H, m), 0.87 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s) 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7β- hydroxymethylandrostane 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 3.90-3.75 (8H, m), 3.58 (2H, m), 3.31 (1H, t), 2.00-1.10 (21H, m), 0.84 (3H. s), 0.81 (3H, s). 7α-Hydroxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione II-av was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methylene- androstane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic ex- tracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.71 (2H, m), 3.30 (1H, t), 2.50-1.25 (21H, m), 1.12 (3H, s), 0.85 (3H, s). 7β-Hydroxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione II-aw was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-hydroxymethylandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methylene- androstane-3.17-dione (II-ac. Prepn. 13). The combined organic ex- tracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.70-3.60 (2H, m), 3.54 (1H, t), 2.50-0.90 (21H, m), 1.06 (3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s). Preparation 35 7α-Hydroxyandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ax) To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androsuane-7-one (Prepn. 30, 762 mg) in dry THF (21 mL) at -78 °C under N2, 1M lithium selectride in THF (2.34 mL) was added. After completing the addition, the mixture was stirred at -70 °C for 0.5 h. H2O (7.8 mL) was cau- tiously added dropwise followed by 6N NaOH (18.7 mL) and 9.8 M H2O2 (3.0 mL). After stirring at room temperature for lh, brine (20 mL) was added. The mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40) to give 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxyandrostane (578.6 mg, 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.16 (1H, d), 3.85-3.65 (8H, m), 3.59 (1H, m), 2.00-1.00 (20H, m), 0.72 (6H, s). The title compound II-ax was prepared in 89% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxyandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, dmso-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.32 (1H, bb), 3.75 (1H, m), 2.40-1.00 (20H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Preparation 36 7α-Methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ay) To a solution of DABCO (70 mg) in dry CH2Cl2 (3 mL) at 0oC 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 34, 90 mg) was added, followed by the addition of 4-toluenesulfonyl chlo- ride (90 mg). After stirring overnight at room temperature, the precipi- tate was filtered, washed with CH2Cl2. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and the residue purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclo- hexane/AcOEt 80/20) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-[4-methyl (benzenesulfonyloxy)methyl]androstane (86 mg, 70%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.78 (2H, m), 7.49 (2H, m), 4.12 (1H, dd), 3.99 (1H, dd), 3.87-3.67 (8H, m), 2.42 (3H, s), 1.90-1.00 (21H, m), 0.73 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s). To a solution of NaBH4 (30 mg) in DMSO (6 mL) 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-[4-methyl(benzenesulfonyloxy)methyl]androstane (70 mg) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 hrs. H2O was added and the mixture extracted with Et2O (2 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was puri- fied by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/Et2O 75/25) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-methylandrostane (34 mg, 70%). lH- NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.85-3.75 (8H, m), 2.00- 1.00 (21H, m), 0.92 (3H, d), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). 7α-Methylandrostane-3,17-dione II-ay was prepared in 90% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-methylandrostane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.50-1.17 (21H, m), 1.10 (3H, s), 0.97 (3H, d), 0.87 (3H, s). Preparation 37 7β-Methylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-az) A mixture of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 33, 520 mg) and (1,5-cyclooctadiene)(pyridine)(tricyclo hexyl- phosphine)iridium(l)hexafluoro-phosphate (crabtree catalyst) (75 mg) in CH2Cl2 (52 mL) was stirred under H2 at atm pressure for 4 h. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and purified by flash chromatogra- phy (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 85/15) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)- 7β-methylandrostane (287.5 mg, 55%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-ds. ppm from TMS): δ 3.80-3.60 (8H, m). 2.00-1.00 (20H, m). 0.97 (3H, d). 0.89 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s), 0.73 (1H, m). The title compound II-az was prepared in 90% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-methylandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO5 and evaporated to dryness. 'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-da, ppm from TMS): δ 2.50-1.10 (20H, m), 1.07 (3H, d), 1.06 (3H, s), 0.89 (1H, m), 0.88 (3H, s). Preparation 38 7-(Spirocyclopropane)androstane-3,17-dione (II-ba) The title compound II-ba was prepared in 45% yield from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 35) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-(spirocyclo- propane)androstane-3,17-dione (II-al, Prepn. 22). The residue was pu- rified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc/acetone 10/1/1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS: 5 2.52-0.84 (20H, m), 1.16 (3H, s), 0.87 (3H, s), 0.60 (1H, m), 0.42 (1H, m), 0.35 (1H, m), -0.09 (1H, m). Preparation 39 7α-Formamidomethylandrostane-6,17-dione (II-bb) 3.3:17,1 7-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-aminoandrostane was prepared from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 30, 1.61 g) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-aminoandrostane (Prepn. 20). The com- bined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by flash chro- matography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/NH4OH 90/10/1) to give a mixture of 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-aminoandrostane and 3,3:17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-aminoandrostane ( 1.19 g, 35/65 mixture). To a stirred solution of a 35/65 mixture of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)- 7α-aminoandrostane and 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-amino- androstane (1.17 g) under N2 in CH2C12 (35 mL) at 0 °C Et3N (1.67 raL) and 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (1.39 g) were added. Af- ter stirring overnight at room temperature, water was added and the mixture extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic phase was washed with 5% NaHCO3 dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The resi- due was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2; n-hexane/EtOAc 70/30) to give [3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-androstane-7α-yl]carbamic acid 9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl ester (505 mg. 28%) 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.90 (2H, m). 7.71 (2H, m), 7.54 (1H, m), 7.43-7.22 (4H, m), 4.50-4.10 (3H, m), 3.90-3.80 (8H, m), 3.66 (1H, m), 1.90-0.80 (19H, m), 0.77 (6H, s), 0.70-0.65 (1H, m). To a stirred solution of [3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7α- yl]carbamic acid 9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl ester (464 mg) in dry THF (29 mL) at 0 °C, 1M tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.13 raL) was added. After completing the addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. The solution was concentrated to small volume and purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 92/8/0.8) to give 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-amino- methylandrostane (247 mg. 84 %) 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6 ppm from TMS): δ 3.82-3.65 (8H, m), 2.81 (1H, m), 1.90-1.00 (22H, m), 0.77 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H,s). 3,3:17.17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-formamidoandrostane was prepared in 92% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-aminomethylandrostane by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formamidoandrostane (Prepn. 20). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.10 (1H, m), 7.98 (1H, m), 4.05 (1H, m), 3.89-3.20 (8H, m), 1.93-0.50 (20H, m), 0.80 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s) The title compound II-bb was prepared in 97% yield from 3,3:17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)- 7α-formamido androstane by the procedure de- scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The crude product was purified by flash chroma- tography (SiO2, n-hexane/Acetone 70/30).1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- de, ppm from TMS): δ 8.10 (1H, m), 7.98 (1H, m), 4.05 (1H, m), 2.50- 0.70 (20H, m), 1.02 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). Preparation 40 7α-Methoxycarbonylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bc) 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane was obtained (2.86 g, 95%) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 14) starting from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 33, 2.89 g). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The resi- due was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 45/55). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.90-3.70 (8HT m), 3.50 (2H, m), 3.35 (1H, t), 2.05-0.66 (21H, m), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). To a solution of 3,3:17.l7-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethyl- androstane (2.86 g) in DMSO (30 mL). IBX (3.95 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The mixture was quenched by ad- dition of H2O (150 mL) and Et2O (150 mL). After stirring for 15 min, the mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with Et2O. The lay- ers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et2O (3 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 75/35) to give 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-formylandrostane (2.36 g, 83%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.96 (1H, d), 3.95-3.75 (8H, m), 2.50 (1H, m). 2.30-0.69 (20H. m), 0.89 (3H, s). 0.84 (3H, s). 7α-Formylandrostane-3,17-dione was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-formylandrostane (2.36 g) by the proce- dure described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane- 3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.95 (1H, d). 2.57-0.80 (21H, m), 0.95 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). To a stirred suspension of 7α-formylandrostane-3,17-dione (1.77 g) in t- ButOH (35 mL) and 5% aqueous Na2HPO4 solution (21.5 mL), 1N aqueous KMnO4 (35 mL) was added. After 5 minutes at room tempera- ture, the mixture was quenched by addition of 40% aqueous NaHSO3 solution. The suspension was filtered, washed with H2O and the fil- trate was freeze-dried. The residue was taken up with H2O (50 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (4 x 70 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 7α- carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (1.80 g, 96%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace- tone-d6- ppm from TMS): δ 12.00 (1H, bb), 2.65 (1H, m), 2.45-0.70 (20H, m), 1.00 (3H,s), 0.79 (3H,s). To a stirred solution of 7α-carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (680 rag) in CH2Cl2 (30 mL) at 0 °C, MeOH (160 µL), DMAP (20 mg) and EDAC (800 mg) were added. After stirring overnight at room temperature, H2O was added and the mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O. brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40) to give the title compound II-bc (500 mg. 70%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 3.63 (3H, s). 2.85 (1H, m), 2.50-0.75 (20H, m). 1.12 (3H. s), 0.86 (3H, s). Preparation 41 6 (E) Hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II bd) A solution of chlorotrimethylsilane (3.7 mL) and LDA (15.6 mL, 1.5M in THF) in dry THF (15 mL) at -78 °C under nitrogen was added dropwise, in 30 minutes, to a solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) androstane-6-one (1.43 g) in THF (15 mL) at -78 °C. After 2 h TEA (7.3 mL) was added at -20 °C followed, after 30', by the addition of solid NaHCO3. After extraction with EtOAc (3 x), the combined organic ex- tracts were washed with brine (3 x), dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/EtOAc 90/10) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6- trimethylsililoxyandrost-6-ene (1.35 g, 80%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. ace tone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.67 (1H, m), 3.94-3.76 (8H, m), 2.31 (1H, m), 2.00-0.90 (17H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.17 (9H, s). To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-trimethylsililoxy- androst-6-ene (940 mg) in CH2Cl2 (50 mL), at -15 °C solid NaHCO3 (683 mg) was added followed by the addition of raCPBA (550 mg, 70%). After 1h TBAF (2.56 g) was added and then warmed to room tempera- ture. After lh the mixture was quenched by addition of brine then ex- tracted with CH2Cl2. The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxyandrostane-6-one (660 mg, 80%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.63 (1H, d), 3.90- 3.70 (8H. m), 3.53 (1H. m). 3.13 (1H. m), 2.00-1.00 (17H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.62 (3H. s). 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane was obtained ( 628 mg. 92%) from 3.3:17.17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α- hydroxyandrostane-6 one (660 mg) by the procedure described for the preparation of 6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ah, Prepn. 18). The crude product was used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.42 (1H, s), 4.90 (1H, d), 4.80 (1H, m), 3.90-3.75 (8H, m), 2.75 (1H, m), 1.90-1.00 (17H, m), 0.73 (3H, s). 0.61 (3H, s). The title compound II-bd was prepared (500 mg. 60%) from 3,3:17.17- bis(ethylendioxy)- 6 (E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane-6-one (628 mg) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6- methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined or- ganic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evapo- rated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/acetone/CH2Cl2 40/30/30). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.76 (1H, s), 5.14 (1H, d), 5.02 (1H, m), 2.84 (1H, m), 2.70-1.10 (17H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Preparation 42 6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-3,7.17-trione (II-be) 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-trimethylsililoxyandrost-6-ene was pre-pared (1.82 g, 84 %) from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7-one (1.86 g) by the procedure described for the preparation of 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6-trimethylsililoxyandrost-6-ene (Prepn. 41). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chroma- tography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 92/8). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.35 (1H, m), 3.90-3.70 (8H, m), 2.20-2.05 (1H, m), 1.90-0.90 (17H, m), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s), 0.15 (9H, s). To a solution of 2,6-diphenylphenol (3.80 g) in DOM (50 mLA trimethy- laluminium (4 mL, 2M in hexanes) was added. After 1h the mixture was warmed to 0 °C, and a solution of trioxane (231 mg) in DCM (1 mL) added. After lh the mixture was cooled to -78 °C and a solution of 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-trimethylsililoxyandrost-6-ene (1.21 g) in DCM (15 mL) was added, then stirred overnight at -20 °C. The reaction was quenched by addition of NaHCO3 saturated solution. The mixture was filtered on a celite pad and washed with DCM. The filtrate was washed with water, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to small vol ume. TBAF (2.8 mL, 1M in THF) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h. The olive-green solution was washed with water, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 30/70) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7-one (783 mg, 72%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 4.05 (1H, t), 3.90-3.70 (8H, m), 3.50 (2H, m), 2.45-2.28 (2H, m), 2.10-1.95 (1H, m), 1.90-1.10 (16H, m), 1.05 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s). The title compound II-be was prepared (570 mg, 92%) from 3,3:17,17- bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7-one (780 mg) by the procedure described above for the 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and preparation of evaporated to dryness. The residue was used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.25 (1H, t), 3.55 (2H, m), 2.51 (2H, m), 2.10 (1H, m), 1.90-1.10 (16H, m), 0.95 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s). Preparation 43 3β-[(R.S)-(1-tert-Butoxycarbonylpiperidin-3-yl)carbonyloxylandrostane- 6.17-dione(II-bf) To a stirred suspension of 3β-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxyandrostane- 6α,17β-diol (EP 0825197 A2, 6.21 g) in DMSO (160 mL), IBX (16.45 g ) was added at room temperature. After 1.5 h the mixture was quenched at room temperature by addition of H:0 (300 mL). After 15 min the mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with H2O. The cake was extracted with Et2O (4 x). The combined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 3β-tert-butyldimethyl- silyloxyandrostane-6,17-dione (0.36 g, 75°o). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 6 3.54 (1H, m), 2.47-1.08 (20H, m), 0.84 (9H, s), 0.77 (3H, s), 0.66 (1H, s), 0.01 (6H, s). To a stirred suspension of 3β-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxyandrostane- 6,17-dione (2.00 g) in EtOH (20 mL), 37% HCl (40 µL) was added. After 3 h the solution was quenched with 5% aqueous NaHCO3 to pH 7. The organic solvent was evaporated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH2Cl2 (4 x350 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NH4Cl, brine, H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatogra- phy (SiO2, cyclohexane/EtOAc 90/10) to give 3β-hydroxyandrostane- 6,17-dione (1.25 g, 86%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.56 (1H, d), 3.31 (1H, m), 2.45-1.15 (20H, m), 0.77 (3H, s), 0.65 (3H, s). A solution of 3β-hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione (60.15 mg), EDAC (75.7 mg), 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid (50.7 mg), DMAP (1.2 mg) in THF (1.9 mL) and H2O (100 µL) was stirred over- night at room temperature. The mLxture was diluted with THF, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/EtOAc 10/90) to give the title compound II-bf (49 mg, 50%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.62 (1H, m), 3.50-1.20 (29H, m), 1.35 (9H. s), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s). Preparation 44 3β-(N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6.17- dione (II-bg) Prepared in 62"c yield from 3β hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and 1- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-piperidinecarboxylic acid by the procedure de- scribed in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.65 (1H. m). 3.60-1.20 (29H, m). 1.35 (9H, s). 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s). Preparation 45 3β-(N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-ylcarbonyloxv)androstane-6.17- dione (II-bh) Prepared in 65% yield from 3β hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and 1- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-azetidinecarboxylic acid by the procedure de- scribed in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.66 (1H, m), 4.50-1.00 (29H, m), 1.35 (9H, s). 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s). Preparation 46 3β-(N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)pirrolidin-3R,S-ylcarbonyloxv)androstane- 6.17-dione (II-bi) Prepared in 75% yield from 3β-hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and 3R,S-[l-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)]pirrolidinecarboxylic acid by the proce- dure described in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 4.59 (1H, m), 3.45-2.85 (5H, m), 2.40-1.10 (22H, m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s). Preparation 47 3β-(N-(tert-Butoxvcarbonyl)mon)holin-2(R,S)-lcarbonyloxn)androstane- 6.17-dione (II-bi) Prepared in 77% yield from 3β-hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and R,S N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)morpholin-2-yl carboxylic acid by the procedure described in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.66 (1H, m). 4.15-2.50 (7H, m), 2.50-1.10 (20H. m). 1.35 (9H. s), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s). Preparation 48 3β-(N.N'-Bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-2(R,S)-ylcarbonyloxy) an- drostane-6,17-dione (II-bk) Prepared in 85% yield from 3β-hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and R,S N,N'-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-2-ylcarboxylic acid by the pro- cedure described in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.72 (1H, m). 4.40-3.20 (7H, m), 2.60-1.15 (20H. m), 1.35 (18H, s), 0.78 (3H, a), 0.69 (3H, s). Preparation 49 3α-Mercapto-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one (II-bl) To a solution of triphenylphosphine (2.38 g) in THF (140 mL) cooled at 0° C, diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (1.79 mL) was added dropwise. After stirring for 30 minutes, thioacetic acid (0.65 mL) and androstane- 3β,6α,17β-triol (2.00 g) were added. After 2 hrs at 0 °C and overnight at room temperature EtOAc was added. The mixture was washed with water and the organic layer evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane:EtOAc 55:45) to give 3α-acetylthioandrostane-6α,17β-diol (1.60 g. 66%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 4.42 (1H, bb), 4.28 (1H, bb), 3.91 (1H, bb), 3.42 (1H, m), 3.11 (1H, m), 2.28 (3H, s), 2.00-0.80 (20H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.60 (3H, s). To a stirred suspension of 3α-acetylthioandrostane-6α,17β-diol (1.40 g) in CH2Cl2 (50 mL), NMNO (1.37 g), TPAP (68 mg) and powdered mo- lecular sieves 4Ǻ (2.1 g) were added at room temperature. After 2 hrs NMNO (0.7 g), TPAP (34 mg) and molecular sieves 4Ǻ (1 g) were added again and the reaction was stirred for further 1.5 hrs. The crude prod- uct was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2. cyclohexane:EtOAc 7:3) to give 3α-acetylthioandrostane-6,17-dione (1.07 g, 76%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.99 (1H, bb), 2.55-1.20 (23H, m). 0.86 (3H. s), 0.79 (3H. s). To a stirred solution of 3α-acetylthioandrostane-6,17-dione (600 mg) in THF (8 mL) cooled at -50 °C, a solution of ylide prepared from methyl- triphenylphosphonium bromide (1.47 g) in THF dry (8 mL) at -50 °C and potassium tert-butoxide (484 mg ), was added. After 2 h the tem- perature was raised to room temperature. The mixture was quenched by addition of 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution and extracted with EtOAc (2 x 60 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (n- hexane/EtOAc 9/1) to give 3α-acetylthio-6-methyleneandrostan-17-one (210 mg, 35 % yield) and 3α-mercapto-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one (208 mg, 35 % yield). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 3α-acetylthio-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one: 5 4.73 (1H, m), 4.39 (1H, m), 3.96 (1H, m), 2.44-0.84 (20H, m), 2.29 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s), 0.66 (3H, s); 3α-mercapto-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one: 5 4.73 (1H, m), 4.38 (1H, m), 3.57 (1H, m), 2.52 (1H, d), 2.45-0.95 (20H, m), 0.76 (3H, s), 0.63 (3H, s). To a solution of 3α-acetylthio-6-methyleneandrostan-17-one (210 mg) in MeOH (3 mL), 1N NaOH (0.6 mL) was added. After 1h at room tern perature 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution was added and the mixture ex- tracted with Et2O (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give the title compound (185 mg, 100%). Preparation 50 3α-Mercaptoandrostane-6.17-dione (II-bm) To a suspension of 3cx-acetylthioandrostane-6.17-dione (1.07 g) in MeOH (30 mL), sodium propanethiolate (0.28 g) was added and the re- action stirred for 20 minutes at room temperature. The mixture was neutralized with 1N HCl. Water was added and the mixture extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, and dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 3α- mercaptoandrostane-6,17-dione (943 mg, 100%), used without further purification. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.54 (1H, m), 2.77 (1H, m), 2.54 (1H, d), 2.45-1.10 (19H, m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.66 (3H, s). Preparation 51 3α-[l-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyllandrostane- 6.17-dione(II-bn) Following the procedure described in EP 0825197 A2 and starting from androstane-3,6,17-trione (3.90 g), 36-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (2.40 g, 62%) and of 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (0.78 g, 20%) were ob- tained after separation by flash chromatography (SiO2 CH2Cl2:EtOAc 9:1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ-isomer: 8 9.57 (1H, d), 2.45-1.10 (21H, m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.63 (3H, s); crisomer: 8 9.56 (1H, bs), 2.60-0.95 (21H, m), 0.76 (3H, s), 0.60 (3H, s). Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (117 mg) and [3-(S)-1-(tert- butoxycarbonyl)-3-pyrrolidinylmethyl]triphenylphosphoniura iodide (Prepn. 52, 318 mg), the title compound II-bn was obtained after flash chromatography (SiO2, EtOAc/n-hexane 1/1) in 73% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.82 (1H, t), 5.25 (1H, t), 3.55- 3.05 (4H, m), 3.00-2.05 (7H, m), 2.00-1.10 (26H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Preparation 52 [3-(8)-1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-3-pyrrolidinylmethylltriphenyl- phosphonium iodide Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from (S)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (1.1 g), the title compound was obtained (1.50 g) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.95 7.60 (15H, m), 3.95-3.65 (2H, m), 3.10-2.60 (3H, m), 1.90-1.70 (1H, m), 1.60-1.40 (1H, m), 1.30 (11H, m). Preparation 53 3α-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane- 6.17-dioneqi-bo) Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (II-bp, Prepn. 51, 50 mg) and [3- (R)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-pyrrolidinylmethyl]triphenyl- phosphonium iodide (II-br, Prepn. 56, 136 mg), the tiltle compound II- bo was obtained after flash chromatography (SiO2, EtOAc/n-hexane 1/1), in 62% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.80 (1H, t), 5.20 (1H, t), 3.55-3.05 (4H, m), 3.00-2.05 (7H, m), 2.00-1.10 (26H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). Preparation 54 [3-(R)-1-(tert-Butoxvcarbonyl)-3-pvrrolidinvlmethyl1triphenvl- phosphonium iodide Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from (R)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (1.10 g), the ti- tle compound was obtained (1.00 g) as a viscous oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.95-7.60 (15H, m), 3.95-3.65 (2H, m), 3.10-2.60 (3H, m), 1.90-1.70 (1H, m), 1.60-1.40 (1H, m), 1.30 (11H, m). Preparation 55 3α-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)pyperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyllandrostane-6.17- dione (II bp) Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (Prepn. 51, 66 mg) and [l-(tert- butoxycarbonyl)-4-pyperidinylmethyl]triphenylphosphonium iodide io- dide (Prepn. 56, 189 mg), the title compound was obtained after flash chromatography (SiO2, EtOAc/n-hexane 1/1), in 50% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6 ppm from TMS): δ 5.74 (1H, t), 5.19 (1H, t), 4.20- 3.95 (2H, m), 3.00-1.05 (37H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s). Preparation 56 [1-(tert-Butoxvcarbonyl)-4-piperidinylmethylltriphenylphosphonium iodide Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-piperidinemethanol (2.00 g), the title com- pound was obtained (3.00 g) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.95-7.60 (15H, m), 3.80-3.50 (4H, m), 2.70-2.50 (2H, m), 2.00-1.80 (1H, m), 1.50-1.30 (11H, m), 1.30-1.10 (2H, m). Preparation 57 3α-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androslane-6,17- dione (II-bq) Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (Prepn. 51, 100 mg) and [1-(tert- butoxycarbonyl)-3-azetidinylmethyl]triphenylphosphonium iodide (Prepn. 58, 265 mg), the title compound was obtained after flash chro- matography (SiO2, EtOAc/n-hexane 1/1) in 70% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.82 (1H, t), 5.65 (1H, t), 4.15-3.95 (2H. m), 3.65-3.45 (3H. m), 2.60-1.10 (30H, m). 0.86 (3H, s). 0.77 (3H. s). Preparation 58 [1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-3-azetidinylmethyl]triphenylphosphonium iodide Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-azetidinemethanol (600 mg), the title compound was obtained (1.10 g) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 7.95-7.60 (15H, m), 4.10-3.90 (2H, m), 3.75-3.60 (2H, m), 3.50-3.30 (2H. m), 3.10-2.90 (1H. m), 1.35 (9H, s). Preparation 59 6α-Hydroxymethyl-7α-Hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-br) To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α- hydroxymethylandrostane-7-one (Prepn. 42) (2.00 g) in MeOH (100 mL) NaBH4 (270 mg) was added at 0 °C and the temperature was raised to rt. After 1 h the mixture was quenched by addition of 5% NaH2PO4 and extracted with CH2Cl2. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in dioxane (25 mL) and 1N HCl (8 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chroma- tography (SiO2, n-hexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 50/25/25) to give the title compound II-br in 73% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.36 (1H, t), 4.26 (1H, d), 3.86 (1H, m), 3.43 (2H, m), 2.40-1.10 (19H, m), 0.99 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s). Preparation 60 7α-Methoxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-bs) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 15 and starting from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7a hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 34, (2.00 g), the title compound II-bs was obtained in 70% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.30 (3H. s). 3.28 (2H. m), 2.53-0.75 (21H, m), 1.13 (3H, s), 0.90 (3H, s). Preparation 61 7α-Methoxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bt) Following the procedure described in Prepn. 15 and starting from 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxyandrostane (Prepn. 35, 1.50 g). the title compound II-bt was obtained in 68% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.35 (3H, s), 2.58-1.00 (21H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Preparation 62 (Z) 3-[(S)-3-N-(9H-Fluoren-9-ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α- hydroxy-6-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bu) and (E) 3- [(S)-3-N-(9H-Fluoren-9-ylmethyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino -5α-Hydroxy-6- (E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-by) The title compounds were obtained following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27, 1.6 g) and 3- (S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 840 mg). To the crude product (1.8 g, ratio 55/45 of the E/Z isomers) and Et3N (1.4 mL) in CH2Cl2 (18 mL) was added, under N2, at 0 °C, 9- fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (1.2 g). After stirring overnight at room temperature, water was added and the mixture extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic phase was washed with 5% NaHCO3 dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2; CH2Cl2/acetone 85/15) to give (Z) 3-[(S)-3-N- (9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bu, 920 mg) and and (E) 3-[(S)- 3-N-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bv, 930 mg). II-bu: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.70 (1H. bs), 7.90-6.90 (9H, m), 4.87 (1H, bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 4.46-4.10 (2H, m), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H, m), 3.00 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 (17H, m), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). II-bv: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.60 (1H, bs), 7.90-6.90 (9H, m), 4.86 (1H, bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 4.46-4.10 (2H, m), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H. m), 3.00 (1H, m), 2.70 1.00 (17H, m), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s). Preparation 63 6-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (II-bw) A solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 27) (1.05 g) and pTSA • H2O (4.00 g) in acetone (100 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The solu- tion was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous NaHCO3 and acetone was evaporated. The aqueous suspension was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 80/10/10) to give the title compound II-bw in 67% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.60 (1H, s), 5.90 (1H, s), 3.36 (1H, d), 2.60-1.15 (16H. m), 1.08 (3H,s), 0.82 (3H,s) Preparation 64 (RS) 3-Bromopyrrolidine hydrochloride To a solution of (RS) l-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinol (Prepn. 3) (3.00 g) in THF (90 mL), triphenylphosphine (12.4 g) was added, then a solution of CBR4 (15.7 g) in THF (90 mL) was dropped and the mixture stirred overnight at room temperature. The organic solvent was evapo- rated and the residue was extracted with EtOAc (4 x50 mL). The com- bined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatogra- phy (SiO2, cyclohexane/ElOAc 80/20) to give (RS) 1-tert- butoxycarbonyl-3-bromopyrrolidine in 80% yield as yellow oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.85 (1H, m), 3.70-3.59 (1H, m), 3.55-2.10 (5H, m), 1.35 (9H, s). The title compound was obtained in 75% yield following the procedure described in Prepn. 1. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSOd6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.50 (2H, bb), 4.85 (1H, m), 3.70-3.59 (1H. m). 3.55-2.10 (5H, m). Biological Results To test the inhibition of the enzymatic activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase, the Na+,K+-ATPase was purified according to Jorghensen (Jorghensen P., BBA, 1974, 356, 36) and Erdmann (Erdmann E. et al., Arzneim.Forsh., 1984, 34, 1314) and the inhibition was measured as % of hydrolysis of 32P-ATP in presence and in absence of the tested com- pound (Mall F. et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 1984, 33, 47; see Table 1). Moreover the compounds of the invention possess positive inotropic features, as shown by slow intravenous infusion in anesthetized guinea pig according to Cerri (Cerri A. et al, J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 2332) and have a low toxicity, i.e. a better therapeutic ratio, when compared with standard cardiotonic steroids, e.g. digoxin. The compounds of the present invention show a higher efficacy and/or a better therapeutic ratio and/or a longer duration of action compared to compound 22b ((EZ) 3-(2-aminoethoxyimino)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride) reported by S. De Munari et al. in J. Med. Chem. 2003, 64, 3644-3654. The activity of some compounds of general formula (I) on the above mentioned tests was determined and the results are shown in the fol- lowing Table 2. The inotropic activity is shown as maximum increase in contractile force (Emax measured as +dP/dTmax), dose inducing maximum positive inotropic effect (EDmax), inotropic potency (ED80, dose increasing +dP/dTmax by 80%); the toxicity, as the ratio between lethal dose and inotropic potency, or safety ratio, (calculated for the died animals); the maximum dose infused in the survived animals; the duration of the inotropic effect as the decrease of the effect from the EDmax measured 20 minutes after the end of the infusion. As reported in Table 2, the compounds showed positive inotropic effects with higher safety ratios than those displayed by digoxin and compd 22b. In fact the safety ratios (lethal dose/ED80 ratios) were either higher or even not determinable, when no animals died; noteworthy, for some compounds a lower percentage of animals died in comparison to digoxin and compd 22b. Further, some compounds showed prolonged action as shown by the persistence of the inotropic effect after stopping the infusion (% decrease from Emax after 20 min from the end of the in- fusion). When no animal died, higher doses were not tested since the maximum increases in contractile force were comparable or higher to those displayed by digoxin and compd 22b. Further data on longer duration of action of the compounds of the pre- sent invention were generated and these are shown in Table 3, where the results of the metabolism of the compounds in fresh rat hepatocytes (from Sprague Dawley, males, weights in the range 285-295 grams; vi- ability 80-90%; concentration: 2590000-3084000 hepatocytes/ml; test item nominal concentration: 45µM) are reported in comparison with compd 22b which is almost completely metabolized within 60 minutes. The compounds of the present invention possess also antihypertensive activity, as taught, by P. Ferrari et al., in Cardiovascular Drug Reviews, 1999, 17, 39-57, who demonstrated that compounds affecting Na+,K+- ATPase can lower blood pressure in models of hypertension. The ability of these compounds to lower blood pressure was tested by using an animal model with induced hypertension, in particular, rats made hypertensive by chronic infusion of ouabain, according to Ferrari P., et al. J. Pharm. Exp. Ther. 1998, 285, 83-94. The procedure adopted to test the antihypertensive activity of the com- pounds on the above mentioned model was the following: systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured by an indirect taII- cuff method. The blood pressure lowering effect was measured in hy- pertensive ouabairrsensitive rats. The compound, suspended in Metho- cel 0.5% (w/v), was administered daily at the dose of 10 µg/kg/day by mouth for four weeks. SBP and HR were measured weekly 6 hours af- ter the treatment. The comparison are ouabain sensitive rats (OS rats) and non hypertensive rats (control), both treated only with Methocel 0.5% (w/v). As shown in the following Table 4, treatment with a com- pound of the present invention lowers the blood pressure of OS rats (170 mm Hg) to almost the level of control rats (150 mm Hg). CLAIMS 1. Compounds of formula (I) wherein: A is CH X, C=N O, CR6 CH=CH , CR6 CH2, CR7 XC=O, CR XC(=O)X', wherein the left end carbon atom in any of these groups is at position 3 of the androstane ring; where: X and X'. which can be the same or different, are O, S(O)x or NR8; R is hydrogen or hydroxy; R7 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl; R8 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, x is the number 0 or 1 or 2; B is a C1-C4 straight or branched alkylene or can be a single bond so that the A is directly linked to the nitrogen-containing heterocycle; Y is CH2, oxygen, sulphur or NR1, and when two R1 are present at the same time they can be the same or different; R1 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, or R1 is phenyl(C1-C4)straight or branched alkyl or C(=NR9)NHR10; R9 and R10, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, or R9 and R10 can be taken together with the nitrogen atoms and the guanidinic carbon atom to form an unsubstituted or substituted saturated or unsaturated mono heterocyclic 5- or 6-membered ring optionally containing another heteroatom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen; R2 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, ONO2, OR11; R11 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy or R11 is allyl or propargyl; when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and/or the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are a double bond, R3 and R4 , being R3 and R4 the same or different, are, O, with the meaning of a keto group, N-OR12orCRl3R14; R12 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy groups, or R12 is allyl or propargyl; R13 and R14, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, or R13 and R14, which can be the same or different, are allyl, propargyl, F, COOR15, CN, CONRl6R17, or R and R1 taken together form a cycloalkylene substituent; R15 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy or ethoxy; R16 and R17, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, or R16 and R17 can optionally be taken together with the nitrogen atom to form a heterocyclic group; when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and/or the carbon atom in position 7 with R are single bonds, R and/or R4, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, vinyl, ethynyl, COOR15, CN, CONR16R17, OR18, ONO2, NHCHO, NHCOCH3, CH=N OH, spirocyclopropane, spirooxirane, where the alkyl group can be optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy; R15, R16, and R17 are as above defined, R18 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy; R3 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group or C2-C6 acyl group when the bond — in position 17 of the androstane skeleton is a single bond and, as a consequence, the remaining substituent in position 17 is H, and R5 is not present when the bond — in position 17 is a double bond with the meaning of a keto group; n is the number 0 or 1 or 2 or 3; m is the number 0 or 1 or 2 or 3: R15, R16 , and R17, when present in the same compound in different positions, can be the same or different, the symbol is an a or β single bond or an E or Z diastereoisomer when it is linked to a double bond, the symbol — in positions 4. 5, 6, 7, and 17 is, independently, a single or double bond, and when it is a single exocyclic bond in positions 6, 7, or 17, it can be an α or β single bond; with the following provisos: when A is CR7 XC=O, or CR7 X(C=O)X', wherein R7 is hydrogen, X is oxygen and X' is O or NH, and when A is CH X, wherein X is oxygen, the symbol — in position 6 linking R3 is a single bond or when the symbol — in position 6 linking R" is i a double bond R4 is not oxygen, with the symbol — in position 7 linking R meaning a double bond, or R4 is not OR18, with the symbol — in position 7 linking R4 meaning a single bond, that at least one of R2, R3 and R4 in the same structure is not hydrogen; their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 2. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 and R4 represent H, the symbol R3 represents oxygen, with the meaning of keto; methylene, difluoromethylene, hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, and the symbol represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, [3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, [3-(S)-(1- methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyirnino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α- [2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyI], 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)- (Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 3. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 and R4 represent H, the symbol R represents α-hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α-methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl, α- (2-hydroxyethyl), α-methoxy-methyl, α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, β-hydroxy, spirocyclopropyl, the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond or a β-single bond while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, [3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, [3-(S)-(1- methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino,3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 4. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 represents hydroxy, the symbol R represents H, the symbol R3 represents oxygen with the meaning of keto: methylene, difluoromethylene, hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, when the symbols — in position 6 linking R and in position 17 represent double bonds, while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino. 3-azetidinyloxyimino, [3-(R)-(l-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, [3-(S)-(l- methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 5. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 and R3 represent H, the symbol R represents oxygen, with the meaning of keto; methylene, difluoromethylene, hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, when the symbols — in position 7 linking R4 and in position 17 represent a double bond, while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3- pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimi-no, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α -[3-(RS) -pyrrolidinyl thiol, 3α- [2-(pyrrolidin -3 -(R) -yl)-(Z)- vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 6. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 and R3 represent H, the symbol R represents α-hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α-methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl, α- methoxymethyl, α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, β-hydroxy, β-methyl, β-carbamoyl, β-methoxycarbonyl, β-hydroxymethyl, β-methoxymethyl, β-nitroxy, β-formylamino, β- ethynyl, spirocyclopropyl, the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, (RS-3- pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinyl thiol, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3or [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 7. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 represents hydroxy, the symbols R3 and R represent H, the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio]. 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutical acceptable salts. 8. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 represents H, the symbols R3 represents α-hydroxymethyl, and R4 represents α-hydroxy or keto, when the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl- oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, [3-(R)-(l-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, [3-(S)-(l- methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino. 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)- pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts. 9. Compounds according to claim 1, selected from the group consisting of: (E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione; (E) 3-(4-piperidyl)oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-(3-azetidinyl)oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione fumarate; (E) 3-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (E,Z)3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (E) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (Z)-3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[2-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]methoxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[2-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]methoxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (E) 3-[3'-(R,S)-Piperidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(S')-(l-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,l7-dione hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-(3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl)oxyimino -5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one hemifumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-17-oxoandrostane-6α-yl nitrate hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethylandrostan-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methoxymethylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (Z,E) 3-(3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6α-carbamoylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (Z,E) 3-(3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6α-methoxycarbonylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostan-17-one hydrochloride; (E) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-formamidoandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-difluoromethyleneandrostan-17-one hydrochloride; (Z,E) 3-(3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6-(spirocyclopropane)androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-ethynylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-(2-hydroxyethyl)androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-(3,-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostan-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyI)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-methoxyimino-androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-(E)-6-methoxyimino-androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methylenandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (Z) 3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E) 3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane -17-one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3'-(R)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyI]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-androstane -17- one fumarate; (E) 3-[3'-(R)-(I-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-androstane-17- one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyI)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-androstane-17- one fumarate; (E) 3-[3,-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-androstane-17- one fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (Z) 3-[3'-(S)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy- iminoandrostane-17-one hemifumarate; (E) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3'-(R)-n-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E,Z)-3-(3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyioxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino-androstane-17-one fumarate: (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino-androstane-17-one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-h5'droxy-6-(E)-methoxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy- iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate; (E,Z)3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostan-17-one fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7(E)-methoxyiminoandrostan-17-one fumarate; (E.Z)3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7-(E)-allyloxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrro!idinyI]oxyimino-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z)3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-hydroxymethylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrroIidinyI]oxyimino-7β-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (Z,E) 3-(3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-7-(spirocycIopropane)androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-fonnamidoandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidin>'I]oxyimino-7α-methoxycarbonylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-(3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxy-androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7,l7-dione fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethy]-androstane-7,17-dione fumarate; (E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethyl-androstane-7,17-dione fumarate; 3β-(3-(R,S)-Piperidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6, 17-dione hydrochloride; 3β-(4-Piperidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; 3(3-(3-Azetidincarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride; 3β-(3(R,S)-Pirrolidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione fumarate; 3β-(2(R,S)-Morpholinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6.17-dione fumarate; 3β-(2-(R,S)-Piperazinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,l 7-dione dihydrochloride; 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one fumarate; 3α-[3-(RS)-pyirolidinylthio]androstane-6,17-dione fumarate; 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; 3α-[2-(Pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate; 3α-[2-(Pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,l 7-dione formate; 3α-[2-(Pyperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate; 3α-[2-(Azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate; (Z)-3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl)oxyimino]-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate; (E)-3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidmyl)oxyimino]-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7.17-dione fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-androstane-17-one hydrochloride: (E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-androstane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxymethylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxyandrostane-17-one fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6a,17β-diol hydrochloride; (E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6β-hydroxyandrostane-17-one hydrochloride; (E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)- hydroxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyI]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one fumarate; (E) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one fumarate; (E) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one fumarate; (E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-17-one fumarate; (Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-17-one and (E)3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyI]oxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-4-ene-17-one; and the corresponding pure E and Z isomers of the EZ mixtures reported above. 10. A process for the preparation of compounds of claim 1, wherein A is C=N O can be obtained from the reaction between a compound of formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), R2, R3, R4, R5 are as defined in claim 1, with a compound of general formula (III), where R1, B. Y, m and n have the meanings defined as defined in claim 1. 11. A process for the preparation of compounds of claim 1, wherein A is CH-X, where X is O, S or NR8 with R8 being as defined in claim 1, comprising the reaction of a compound of formula (II) where the symbols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined in claim land where Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8 with R8 being as defined in claim 1, and Z is hydrogen with a compound of general formula (VII). where W is R1N or PGN, and R1, Y, m, n. and B are as defined in claim I, PG is a protective group, LG is a leaving group and optional removal of the protecting group. 12. A process for the preparation of compounds of claim 1, wherein A is CR6 CH=CH, where R6 is hydrogen, comprising the reaction of a compound of formula (II) where the symbols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined in claim 1 and where Q is CHO and Z is hydrogen, with a compound of general formula (IX), where W is R1N, PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined in claim 1, R19 is a C1-C6 alkyl or aryl, Hal is a halogen, PG is a protective group and optional removal of the protecting group. 13. A process for the preparation of compounds of claim 1, wherein A is CR7 XC=O, where R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, X is O, S, or NR8 where R8 is as defined in claim 1, comprising the reaction of a compound of formula (II) as defined in claim 7 with a compound of general formula (X), where W is R1N, PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined in claim 1, PG is a protective group and optional removal of the protecting group. 14. Pharmaceutical composition comprising at least a compound of claims 1-9 in admixture with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and/or excipient. 15. Use of the compounds of claims 1-9 as medicaments. 16. Use of the compounds of claims 1-9 for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. 17. Use according to claim 16, wherein said cardiovascular disorders is heart failure and/or hypertension. 18. Use of the compounds of claims 1-9 for the preparation of a medicament for the inhibition of the enzymatic activity of the Na+, K+-ATPase. 19. Use of the compounds of claims 1 -9 for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain. 20. Use according to claim 19, in which the disease caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain comprise renal failure progression in autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), preeclamptic hypertension and proteinuria and renal failure progression in patients with adducin polymorphisms. Compounds of formula (I) wherein: the groups are as defined in the description, are useful for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, in particular heart failure and hypertension. The compounds are inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase. They are useful for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disease caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain, such as renal failure progression in autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), preeclamptic hypertension and proteinuria and renal failure progression in patients with adducin polymorphisms.

Full Text

Azaheterocvclyl derivatives of androstanes and androstenes as me-
dicaments for cardiovascular disorders
The present invention relates to new azaheterocyclyl derivatives at po-
sition 3 of 5- and/or 6- and/or 7-substituted androstanes and androste-
nes, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions
containing them for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, such as
heart failure and hypertension.
Background of the Invention
Cardiovascular diseases are still the first cause of morbidity and mor-
tality in the western world; among these, hypertension and heart fail-
ure are two frequent diseases. Hypertension is one of the most impor-
tant cardiovascular risk factor and more than one third of population
over 60 suffers from this disease. Congestive heart failure affects l-2%
of the population and even 10% of the very elderly; the percentage is
expected to rise (Sharpe, N. et al., The Lancet, 1998, 352 (suppl. 1), 3-
17). Beside, hypertension may be one of more important causes of heart
failure in the elderly (Eur. Heart J., 2001, 22, 1527-1560).
Although a number of effective drugs are available for the treatment of
both hypertension and heart failure, further research is in progress to
find more effective and safe compounds.
Several drugs are used in combination for the treatment of heart fail-
ure, and among positive inotropic agents, digoxin is the most pre-
scribed digitalis cardiac glycoside that can improve the myocardial per-
formance. A very well-known drawback of digitalis drugs is their ar-
rhythmogenic side-effect. Evidence of digitalis toxicity emerges at two-
to three-fold higher serum concentration than the therapeutic dose,
such as disturbances of conduction and cardiac arrhythmias which are
characteristics of digitalis toxicity (Hoffman, B. F.; Bigger, J. T. Digi-
talis and Allied Cardiac Glycosides. In The Pharmacological Basis of

Therapeutics, 8th ed.; Goodman Gilman, A.; Nies, A. S.; Rail, T. W.;
Taylor, P., Eds.; Pergamon Press, New York, 1990, pp 814-839).
The capability of the natural digitalis compounds to increase the myo-
cardial force of contraction is strictly related to their cardenolide struc-
ture having a 17β-lactone on a 14-hydroxy-5β, 14β-androstane skeleton.
Description of the Prior Art
In the field of steroidal derivatives some groups of compounds are re-
ported to possess positive inotropic properties or other activities re-
lated to the cardiovascular system.
Particularly, within pregnane derivatives the following papers are in-
teresting.
GB 868,303 discloses pregnane-20-one derivatives possessing progesta-
tional and antifibrillatory action.
Other aminoalkylesters of 3β hydroxypregn-5-en-20-one derivatives
are disclosed by GB 966,060. with anorectic, antiarrhythmic and antia-
therogenic activities, and US 3.013,009, with eurithmic, anticonvul-
sant, and antihypertensive activities.
US 5,144,017 discloses "compounds that bind to the digitalis receptor"
including androstane and pregnane derivatives. According to the in-
ventors, the binding to the digitalis receptor parallels the ability to
elicit characteristic cellular response. The inventors focus on the capa-
bility of the different classes of steroids of yielding glycosides deriva-
tives with typical digoxin-like actions on the heart as well as on other
tissues, which seems to be important improve the toxicity of these
compounds. Even though some androstane derivatives are reported,
the more interesting compounds are 3-glycosides of pregnane deriva-
tives.

Pregnane guanyhydrazones with positive inotropic cardiac effect are
reported by S. Schiitz, et al., Arzneimitlel-Forschung, 1969, 19, 69-75.
Particularly relevant to the activity of these compounds is the guanyl-
hydrazone substituent, since "replacement of the guanyl hydrazone
groups by other related residues results in a loss of activity".
Other pregnene-20-one derivatives, such as clormadinone acetate and
megestrol acetate are reported to inhibit the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase
but they were not "capable of eliciting an inotropic action by them-
selves" (K. Temma, et al, Research. Comm. Chem. in Pathology and
Pharmacology, 1983, 41, 51-63).
In the field of 5α, 14α-androstane derivatives some groups of com-
pounds are reported to possess positive inotropic properties..
GB 1,175.219 and US 3,580,905 disclose 3-(aminoalkoxycarbonylalkyle-
ne)steroid derivatives which possess digitalis like activities with a ratio
between the dose which produces toxic symptoms (onset of cardiac ar-
rhythmias) and the effective dose comparable with such a ratio as
measured for standard cardiac glycosides. Besides no clear advantage
over digitalis glycosides, the compounds with the highest ratio produce
the lowest increase in contractile force.
6-Hydroxy and 6-oxoandrostane derivatives are disclosed in EP 0 825
197 as ligands and inhibitors of Na+,K+-ATPase, and positive inotropic
agents, possessing a lower toxicity when compared with digoxin, as
evaluated on the basis of the acute toxicity in mice. The same com-
pounds are also reported by S. De Munari, et ah, J. Med. Chem. 2003,
64, 3644-3654.
The evidence that high levels of endogenous ouabain (EO), a closely re-
lated isomer of ouabain, are implicated in human hypertension and
cardiac hypertrophy and failure stimulated the pharmacological re-
search for developing novel anti-hypertensive agents active as ouabain
antagonists. The pathogenetic mechanisms through which increased

EO levels affect cardiovascular system involve the modulation of Na-K
ATPase, the key enzyme responsible for renal tubular sodium reab-
sorption and the activation of signalling transduction pathways impli-
cated in growth-related gene transcription. By studying both genetic
and experimental rat models of hypertension and comparing them with
humans, it has been demonstrated that elevated levels of circulating
EO and the genetic polymorphism of the cytoskeletal protein adducin
associate with hypertension and high renal Na-K pump activity. Oua
bain itself induces hypertension and up-regulates renal Na-K pump
when chronically infused at low doses into rats (OS). In renal cultured
cells, either incubated for several days with nanomolar concentrations
of ouabain or transfected with the hypertensive adducin genetic vari-
ant, the Na-K pump results enhanced. Moreover, both EO and adducin
polymorphism affect cardiac complications associated to hypertension,
the former through the activation of a signalling transduction path-
wax-. As a consequence, a compound able to interact with the cellular
and molecular alterations, sustained by EO or mutated adducin, may
represent the suitable treatment for those patients in whom these
mechanisms are at work (Ferrandi M.. et al., Curr Pharm Des.
2005;ll(25):3301-5).
As reported above, the crucial point of positive inotropic agents is the
ability to discriminate between the potency in inducing an increase of
myocardial force of contraction and the onset of cardiac arrhythmias.
There is still a constant need to make available drugs showing a better
therapeutic ratio and/or a longer duration of action, both of them im-
portant factors for the compliance of patients. Preferably, the drugs
can be administered by the oral route.
Dehydroepiandrosterone 3β-aminoethers or aminoesters substituted in
position 7 with a keto or optionally substituted alkoxy groups are dis-
closed in US 2003/0054021 and WO 03/035023 A1 for the cosmetical or
therapeutical treatments of cutaneous disorders related to keratinous
afflictions.

3-Dialkylaminoethers and 3-dialkylaminothioethers of 3β-hydroxy-6α-
methylandrostanes or of 3β-hydroxy-6-methyl-5-androstenes are dis-
closed in US 3,210,386 as hypocholesterolemic and antiparasitic
agents.
Summary of the Invention
It has now been found that 3-azaheterocyclyl derivatives of 5 and/or 6-
and/or 7-substituted androstanes and androstenes meet the needs of to
provide drugs with a better therapeutic ratio and/or longer duration of
action.
The compounds of the present invention show a higher efficacy and/or
better therapeutic ratio and/or a longer duration of action; all these
factors are important, for the compliance of patients.
The compounds of the present invention have the general formula (I):

wherein:
A is CH-X, C=N-O, CR6 - CH=CH -, CR6-CH2,
CR7 - XC=O, CR7 - XC(=O)X', wherein the left end carbon atom in any
of these groups is at position 3 of the androstane ring;
where:

X and X', which can be the same or different, are O, S(O)x or
NR8;
R6 is hydrogen or hydroxy;
R7 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl;
R8 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl.
x is the number 0 or 1 or 2;
B is a C1-C4 straight: or branched alkylene or can be a single
bond so that the A is directly linked to the nitrogen-containing hetero-
cycle;
Y is CH2, oxygen, sulphur or NR1, and when two R1 are present
at the same time they can be the same or different;
R1 is H. C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted
by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, or R1 is phenyl(C1-
C4)straight or branched alkyl or C(=NR9)NHR10;
R9 and R10. which can be the same or different, are H. C1-C6
straight or branched alkyl group, or R9 and R10 can be taken together
with the nitrogen atoms and the guanidinic carbon atom to form an
unsubstituted or substituted saturated or unsaturated mono heterocyc-
lic 5- or 6-membered ring optionally containing another heteroatom se-
lected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen;
R2 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, ONO2, OR11;
R11 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted
by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy or R11 is allyl or propargyl;
when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the
androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4
are independently a double bond, R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same
or different, are, O, with the meaning of a keto group, NOR12, or
CR13R14;
R12 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, optionally sub-
stituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy groups, or R12 is allyl
or propargyl;
R13 and R14, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6
straight or branched alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or more
hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, or R13 and R14, which can be the same or dif-

ferent, are allyl, propargyl, F, COOR15, CN, CONR16R17, or R13 and R14
taken together form a cycloalkylene substituent;
R15 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted
by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy;
R16 and R17, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6
straight or branched alkyl group, or R16 and R17 can optionally be taken
together with the nitrogen atom to form a heterocyclic group;
when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the
androstane skeleton with R8 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4
are independently single bonds, R3 and R4, which can be the same or
different, are H. C1-C6-, straight or branched alkyl group, vinyl, ethynyl,
COOR1. CN. CONR16R1; OR18, ONO2. NHCHO, NHCOCH3.
CH=N-OH, spirocyclopropane. spirooxirane, where the alkyl group
can be optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy;
R15, R16, and R17 are as above defined.
R15 is H. C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl optionally substituted
by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy;
R5 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group or C2-C6 acyl
group when the bond — in position 17 of the androstane skeleton is a
single bond and, as a consequence, the remaining substituent in posi-
tion 17 is H, and R5 is not present when the bond — in position 17 is
a double bond with the meaning of a keto group;
n is the number 0 or 1 or 2 or 3;
m is the number 0 or 1 or 2 or 3;
R15 R16, and R17, when present in the same compound in differ-
ent positions, can be the same or different,
the symbol - is an α or β single bond or an E or Z diastereoi-
somer when it is linked to a double bond,
the symbol — in positions 4. 5, 6, 7, and 17 is, independently, a
single or double bond, and when it is a single exocyclic bond in posi-
tions 6, 7, or 17, it can be an a or β single bond;
with the following provisos:
when A is CR7 XC=O, or CR8 -XC=OX' wherein R7 and R8
are hydrogen, X is oxygen and X' is O or NH, and when A is CH X,
wherein X is oxygen, the symbol — in position 6 linking R3 is a single

bond or when the symbol — in position 6 linking R3 is a double bond
R4 is not oxygen, with the symbol — in position 7 linking R4 meaning
a double bond, or R4 is not OR18, with the symbol — in position 7 link-
ing R4 meaning a single bond,
that at least one of R2, R3 and R4 in the same structure is not
hydrogen.
Where the compounds of formula (I) can exhibit tautomerism, the for-
mula is intended to cover all tautomers; the invention includes within
its scope all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical iso-
mers and their mixtures, the metabolites and the metabolic precursors
of compound of formula (I).
In the context of the present invention metabolite and metabolic pre-
cursor means active metabolite and metabolic precursor, namely a
compound of formula (I) which has been trasnformed by a metabolic
reaction, but substantially maintains or increases the pharmacological
activity.
Examples of metabolites or metabolic precursors are hydroxylated,
carboxylated. sulphonated. glycosylated, glycuronated. methylated or
demethylated oxidated or reduced derivatives of the compounds of for-
mula (I).
Some compounds of formula (I) can also be prodrugs of the active
forms.
Also the pharmaceutical acceptable salts are included in the scope of
the invention.
Pharmaceutical acceptable salts are salts which retain the biological
activity of the base and are derived from such known pharmacologi-
cally acceptable acids such as, e. g., hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric,
phosphoric, nitric, fumaric. succinic, oxalic, malic, tartaric, maleic, cit-

ric, methanesulfonic or benzoic acid and others commonly used in the
art.
The C1-C6 alkyl groups may be branched, straight chain or cyclic
groups, e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n butyl, t-butyl, cyclopen-
tyl or cyclohexyl.
The C1-C4 alkylene is preferably methylene, ethylene, trimethylene,
propylene, tetramethylene or dimethylethylene.
The C2-C6; acyl groups may branched or straight or cyclic chain groups
and preferably are acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, pivaloyl. cyclopentane-
carbonyl.
Further object of the present invention is the use of said compounds of
general formula (I) as medicament, in particular in the preparation of a
medicament useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as
heart failure and hypertension.
Detailed Description of the Invention
According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
compounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbols R2 and R4
represent H. the symbol R3 represents oxygen, with the meaning of
keto, methylene, difluoromethylene, hydroxyimino, methoxyimino,
when the symbols — in position 6 linking R3 and in position 17 repre-
sent a double bond, while the other symbols — represent single

pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino, 3-azetidinvloxyimino, 3α- [3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α- [3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-
yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-
(Z)-vinyl]. 3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl].

In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbols R- and R4 repre-
sent H, the symbol R3 represents α-hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α-
methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl. α-(2-hydroxyethyl), α-methoxy-
methyl. α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, β- hydroxy, the symbol
— in position 17 represents a double bond while the other symbols
(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-
pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-
pyrrulidinylthio] ,3α- [3-(R.>-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α- [2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)- vinyl], 3α-[2-
(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-
(piperidin-4-yl)_(Z)-vinyl].
In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy-
droxy, the symbol R4 represents H, the symbol R3 represents oxygen,
with the meaning of keto, methylene, difluoromethylene. hydroxy-
imino, methoxyimino, when the symbols — in position 6 linking R3
pyrrolidinyl-oxyjimino. (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino. 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS.)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-
yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-
(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl].
In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy-
droxy, the symbols R4 represent H, the symbol R3 represents α-
hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl. α-methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxy-
methyl, a methoxymethyl, α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, the

represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino,
(RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-
pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α- [3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-
lpyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-viny]]. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-
(piperidiir4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl].
In i\ fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbols R2 and R3 repre-
sent H. the symbol R4 represents oxygen, with the meaning of keto.
methylene, difluoromethylene. hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, when the
symbols in position 7 linking R1 and in position 17 represent a

pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimi-
no, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-
(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-
(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl].
In a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbols R2 and R3 repre-
sent H, the symbol R4 represents α-hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α-
methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl, α-methoxymethyl, α-nitroxy, α-
formylamino, α-ethynyl, β-hydroxy. β-methyl, β-carbamoyl, β-
methoxycarbonyl, β-hydroxymethyl, β-methoxymethyl, β-nitroxy, β-
formylamino, β-ethynyl, the symbol — in position 17 represents a
double bond while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and

pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, 3-
azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-
yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-
(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl].
In a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy-
droxy, the symbols R represent H. the symbol Rl represents oxygen.
with the meaning of keto. methylene, hydroxyimino, methoxyimino.
when the symbol — in position 7 linking R4 and in position 17 repre-

pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio| ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]. 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-
yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-
(Z)-vinyl].3α-[2-(piperidin-4yl)-(Z)-vinyl|.
In an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy-
droxy, the symbols R3 represent H, the symbol R4 represents α-
hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α-methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl,
α-methoxymethyl. α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, β-methyl, β-
carbamoyl, β-methoxycarbonyl. β-hydroxymethyl, β-methoxymethyl, β-
nitroxy, β-formylamino, β-ethynyl, the symbol — in position 17 repre-

pyrrolidinyloxy)imino. (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino. (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-

oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-lRS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R.)-
yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-
(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl].
In an ninth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R2 represents hy-
droxy, the symbols R3 and R4 represent H, the symbol — in position

pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthiol ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-
yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(azeridin-3-yl)-
(Z)-vinyl]. 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyll.
In a tenth preferred embodiment of the present invention, the com-
pounds of formula (I) are those in which the symbol R- represents H,
the symbols R3 represents α-hydroxy methyl, and R4 represents α-
hydroxy or keto, when the symbol — in position 17 represents a dou-

rolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino,
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyr-
rolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-
(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-
(Z)-vinyl].
Preferred examples of specific compounds (I) of the present invention
are:

EZ 3-(R-3-pyn-olidinyloxy)imino-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy )imino-6-met hyleneandrostane-17-one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)immo-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxwmo)-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one.
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one.
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one.
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3_(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z.)-vinyl]-6_methyleneandrostane-17-one.
and the corresponding (3-oxo. 6-difluoromethylene. (3-hydroxyimino and
6-methoxyimino derivatives;
EZ 3 (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-6α-methylandrostane-17-one.
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidin3'lthio]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one.
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α- [2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α- methylandrostane- 17-one,
and the corresponding 6α-hydroxy, 6α-carbamoyl, 6α-methoxycarbonyl,
6a-hydroxymethyl. 6α-(2-hydroxyethyl), 6α-methoxy methyl, 6α-
nitroxy, 6α-formylamino, 6α- ethynyl. 6β-hydroxy derivatives;
EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostan-17-
one.
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostan-17-
one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostan-
17-one.

EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostan-17-one,
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-
17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z.)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-
17-one,
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-
one.
3α_[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-
one,
and the corresponding 6-oxo, 6-difluoromethylene, 6-hydroxyimino and
6-raethoxyimino derivatives;
EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-5α-methylandrostan-17-
one,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostan-17-
one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostan-17-
one,
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostan- 17-one,
3α- [3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane- 17-one.
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane-
17-one.
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane-
17-one,
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-6α-methylandrostane-17-
one.
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5a hydroxy-6α-methylandrosl;ane- 17-
one.

and the corresponding 6α-carbamoyl, 6v-methoxycarbonyl, 6α-
hydroxymethyl, 6α-methoxymethyl, 6α-nitroxy, 6α-formylamino, 6α-
ethynyl derivatives;
EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7-methyleneandrostan-17-one,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7-methyleneandrostan-17-one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino 7-methyleneandrostan -17-one,
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-7-methyleneandrostan-17-one.
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrroliclinylthio]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7-methyleneandrostant-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinvl]-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
and the corresponding 7-oxo, 7-ditluoromethylene, 7-hydroxyimino and
7-methoxyimino derivatives;
EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7α-methylandrostan-17-one,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7α-methylandrostan- 17-one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-7α-methylandrostan-17-one.
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-7α-methylandrostan-17-one,
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one.
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-7α-methylandrostane-17-one,
and the corresponding 7α-hydroxy, 7α-carbamoyl, 7α-methoxycarbonyl,
7α-hydroxymethyl, 7α-methoxymethyl, 7α-nitroxy, 7α-forrnylamino,
7α-ethynyl and 7β-hydroxy, 7β-methyl, 7β-carbamoyl. 7β-methoxy-
carbonyl, 7β-hydroxymethyl, 7β-methoxymethyl, 7β-nitroxy, 7β-formyl-
amino, 7β-ethynyl derivatives;

EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostan-17-
one,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostan-17-
one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostan-
17-one.
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostan-17-one,
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7 methyleneandrostane-17-one.
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-
17-one.
3α-[2-(pvrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-
17-one.
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-17-
one.
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7-methyleneandrostane-17-
one.
and the corresponding 7-hydroxyimino and 7-methoxyimino deriva-
tives;
EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostan- 17-
one.
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostan-17-
one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostan- 17-
one,
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostan-17-one,
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-17-one.
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-
17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-
17-one,

3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrostane-17-
one,
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxy-7α-methylandrastane-17-
one.
and the corresponding 7α-carbamoyl, 7α-methoxycarbonyl, 7α-
hydroxymethyl, 7α-methoxymethyl, 7α-nitroxy, 7α-formylamino, 7α-
ethynyl and 7β-carbamoyl, 7β-methoxycarbonyl, 7β-hydroxymethyl, 7β-
methoxyraethyl, 7β-nitroxy, 7β-formylamino, 7β-ethynyl derivatives;
EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-5α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one.
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one,
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one,
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one.
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxyandro8tane-17-one,
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one,
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one,
EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-
dione,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-
dione.
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-
dione.
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-dione,
3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymetylandro8tane-7,17-dione.
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymetylandro8tane-7,17-dione,
3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-dione,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-
dione,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-
dione,

3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxyraetylandrostane-7,17-dione,
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl.)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymetylandrostane-7,17-
dione,
EZ 3-(R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane- 17-one,
EZ 3-(S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane- 17-one,
EZ 3-(RS-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane- 17-one,
EZ 3-(3-azetidinyloxyimino)-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane-
17-one,
3α_[3_(S)-pyrrolidinylthia]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane-
17-one.
3α-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane-
17-one.
3α-[3_(RS)-pyrroidinylthio]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane-
17-one.
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane- 17-one,
3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane- 17-one,
3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane-17-one,
3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane- 17-one,
and the corresponding pure E and Z isomers of the EZ mixtures re-
ported above.
The invention furthermore provides a process for the preparation of
compounds of general formula (I) starting from compounds of general
formula (II)

where the symhols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined
above and Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O) when the
symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond or,
when the symbols are single bonds, Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8.
CHO or a leaving group when Z is hydrogen, or Q is hydroxy, mercapto,
NHR8 when Z is C1-C6; straight or branched alkyt group.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R-, R3, R4, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is C=N O can
be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q and Z represent
together a keto group (=0), when the symbols are taken together
with the meaning of double bond, by reaction with compounds of gen-
eral formula (III),

where R1, B, Y, m and n have the meanings defined above, in the form
of the free base or of a salt, such as, for example, dihydrochloride, in a
solvent such as dioxane. tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane,
methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures,
at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. The
reaction may be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium
or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or po-

tassium hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid,
hydrobiomic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium
acetate, sodium or potassium phosphate, disodium or dipotassium hy-
drogenphosphate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphosphate.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R-, R3, R4, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is
CR6 CH=CH , CR6 CH2, where R6 is hydroxy, can be obtained
from compounds of formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a
keto group (=0), when the symbols are taken together with the
meaning of double bond, by reaction with compounds of general for-
mula (IV) and (V)

where B, Y, m, and n have the meanings defined above, Met is a metal
atom and T is nothing, halogen or a different metal atom depending on
the oxidation state of the Met metal atom, such as, for example, Li,
MgCl, MgBr, Mgl, and CuLi and W is R1N or PGN, where R1 is
straight, or branched alkyl or phenylalkyi. and PG is a protective group,
such as, for example, benzyl, Boc. Cbz, acetyl, to give compounds of
general formula (I) directly or after transformation of the protecting
group. The organometallic reaction can be carried out in a solvent such
as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1.2-dimethoxyethane, diethyl ether, hex-
ane, toluene or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from -70 °C
and the reflux temperature. The reaction can be carried out in the
presence of transition metal salts, such as, for example, Li2CuCl4,
CeCl3.
When W contains a protective group, the protective group can be re-
moved after the organometallic reaction according to well established

procedures described in organic chemistry, to give compounds of gen-
eral formula (I).
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, where
X is NR8, can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q and
Z represent together a keto group (=O) when the symbols are taken
together with the meaning of double bond by reaction with compounds
of general formula (VI),

where W is R1N or PGN, and R1. PG, Y. m. n, R8. and B have the mean-
ings defined above, in the form of the free base or of a salt, in a solvent
such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran. 1,2-dimethoxyethane, methanol,
ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures, at a tem-
perature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature, in the presence
of a reducing agent, such as, for example, sodium borohydride or so-
dium cyanoborohydride. The reaction may be carried out in the pres-
ence of a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or po-
tassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, or of an
acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, or of a
salt, such as sodium or potassium acetate, sodium or potassium phos-
phate, disodium or dipotassium hydrogenphosphate, sodium or potas-
sium dihydrogenphosphate, until the desired pH is reached.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R-, R3, R4, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, where
X is O, S or NR8, can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where
Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8, when Z is hydrogen by reaction with
compounds of general formula (VII),

where W is R1N or PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined above.
PG is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl, Boc, Cbz, acetyl,
to give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transforma-
tion of the group PGN, and LG is a leaving group, such as, for example,
chloro, bromo, iodo, mesyloxy, β-toluensulfonyloxy, trifluoromethane-
sulfonyloxy. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as diethyl
ether, dioxane. tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-diinethoxyethane, N.N-
dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, toluene, or their mixtures, at a
temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. The reac-
tion can be carried out in the presence of a base, such as, for example,
sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, so-
dium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium or potassium hydride,
sodium or potassium methoxide, sodium or potassium tert-butoxide,
and, optionally, of a salt, such as, for example, sodium or potassium io-
dide. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of organic sol-
vent, such as, for example, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, toluene,
hexane, and water, in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide
and a quaternary ammonium salt, such as, for example, tetrabu-
tylammonium chloride or bromide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a
temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the mix-
ture.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, where
X is O, S or NR8, can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where
Q is a leaving group such as, for example, chloro. bromo. iodo, mesy-
loxy, β-toluensulfonyloxy. trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy. and Z is hydro-
gen, by reaction with compounds of general formula (VIII),

where W is R1N, PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined above, PG
is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl, Boc, Cbz, acetyl, and
X is O, S or NR8, where Rs is as defined above, to give compounds of
general formula (I) directly or after transformation of the group PGN.
The reaction can be carried out in the same conditions reported above
for the reaction of compounds of general formula (II) with compounds
of general formula (VII).
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1. R2, R3, R4, R5.
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is
CR CH=CH . where R" is hydrogen, can be obtained from com-
pounds of general formula (II) where Q is CHO and Z is hydrogen, by
reaction with compounds of general formula (IX),

where W is R1N, PGN, and R1. Y, m, n, and B are as defined above, PG
is a protective group, such as. for example, benzyl, Boc, Cbz, acetyl, R19
is a C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl or aryl, such as, for example,
methyl, n-butyl. phenyl, o-tolyl, and Hal is a halogen, such as, for ex-
ample, chloro, bromo, iodo. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent
such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane,
toluene, or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from -78 °C and
the reflux temperature. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a
base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium hydride, sodium or po-
tassium methoxide, sodium or potassium tert-butoxide. The reaction
can be carried out also in a mixture of organic solvent, such as, for ex-
ample, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, toluene, hexane, and water, in
the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary am-

monium salt, such as, for example, tetrabutylammonium chloride or
bromide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a temperature ranging from 0
°C and the reflux temperature of the mixture.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1. R2, R3, RJ, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CR7— XC=O,
where R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, X is O,
S, or NR8 can be obtained from compounds of formula (II) where Q is
hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8 and Z is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or
branched alkyl group by reaction with compounds of general formula
(X),

where W is R1N. PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined above, PG
is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl, Boc, Cbz, acetyl, to
give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transformation
of the group PGN. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as
diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1.2-dimethoxyethane, toluene,
acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, chloroform. N.N-dimethyl-
formamide, dimethylsulfoxide, water or their mixtures, at a tempera-
ture ranging from -30 °C and the reflux temperature, in the presence
of a condensing reagent such as, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, N-
ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodi-imide hydrochloride. SOCI2
POCl3, or PCl5, or compounds of formula (X) can be treated previously
with SOCl2, POCl3, PCl5, optionally in the presence of a base, such as,
for example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium car-
bonate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, triethylamine, pyri-
dine, or 4-dimethylammopyridine.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is
CR7 X(C=O)X', where R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6; straight or branched

alkyl group, X is O. S, or NR8, and X' is NH can be obtained from com-
pounds of formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8 and Z is
hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group by reaction with
compounds of general formula (XI).

where W is R!N, PGN, and R1. Y, m, n, and B are as defined above, PG
is a protective group, such as. for example, benzyl, Boc. Cbz. acetyl, to
give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transformation
of the group PGN. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent such as
diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, toluene,
acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, chloroform, N.N-dimethyl-
formamide, dimethylsulfoxide, ethanol, methanol, water or their mix-
tures, at a temperature ranging from -30 °C and the reflux tempera-
ture.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1. R2, R3, R4, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is
CR7 X(C=O)X', where R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched
alkyl group. X is O, S. or NR8, and X' is O, S, NR8 can be obtained from
compounds of formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, mercapto. NHRS and Z
is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group by reaction with
compounds of general formula (XII),

where W is R1N, PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, B and X' are as defined above,
PG is a protective group, such as, for example, benzyl. Boc, Cbz, acetyl,
to give compounds of general formula (I) directly or after transforma-

tion of the group PGN. The reaction can be carried out in a solvent
such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane.
toluene, acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, chloroform, N,N-
dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, or their mixtures, at a tem-
perature ranging from -60 °C and the reflux temperature using a car-
bonyl donating group, such as, for example, carbonyldiimidazole, phos-
gene, triphosgene, in the presence of a base, such as, for example, so-
dium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium
or potassium hydrogencarbonate, triethylamine, pyridine, or 4-
dimethylaminopyridine.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R2, R3, R4, R5
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X,
CR7 XC=O, CR7 XC(=O)X'. where X and X' are NR8, and R8 is C1-C6
straight or branched alkyl group. can be obtained from compounds of
formula (I) where A is CH X. CR7 XC=O, CR7 XC(=O)X', where X
and X' are NH, by alkylation with a C1-C6 alkyl-LG, where LG is a
leaving group, such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, mesyloxy, β-
toluensulfonyloxy, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy. The reaction can be
carried out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofu-
ran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane. N,N-dimethylformamide. dimethylsulfoxide.
toluene, or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the
reflux temperature, optionally in the presence of a base, such as, for
example, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbon-
ate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium or potassium hy-
dride, sodium or potassium methoxide, sodium or potassium tert-
butoxide, and, optionally, of a salt, such as, for example, sodium or po-
tassium iodide. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of or-
ganic solvent, such as, for example, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene,
toluene, hexane, and water, in the presence of sodium or potassium
hydroxide and a quaternary ammonium salt, such as, for example,
tetrabutylammonium chloride or bromide or iodide or hydrogensulfate,
at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the
mixture.

Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1, R"2, R3, R4, R5,
B, Y and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X. where
X is NR8, and R8 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, can be ob-
tained from compounds of formula (I) where A is CH X, and X is NH.
by reaction with CH2O, or C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl-CHO in a
solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane.
methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures,
at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature, in the
presence of a reducing agent, such as, for example, sodium borohydride
or sodium cyanoborohydride. The reaction can be carried out in the
presence of a base, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or
potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogencarhonnte, or of an
acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, or of a
salt, such as sodium or potassium acetate, sodium or potassium phos-
phate, disodium or dipotassium hydrogenphosphate, sodium or potas-
sium dihydrogenphosphate, until the desired pH is leached.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols R1. R2, R3, R4, R5,
B and — have the meanings defined above and A is CH X, where X
is S(O)x and x is 1 or 2, can be obtained from compounds of formula (I)
where A is CH X, where X is S(O)x and x is 0, by one of the reagents
reported in the literature for such a kind of oxidation, such as, for ex-
ample, hydrogen peroxide, sodium metaperiodate. tert-butyl hypochlo-
rite, sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite, sodium perborate, N-
methylmorpholine-N-oxide and tetrapropylammonium periodate, po-
tassium hydrogen persulfate, and peracids; according to the reaction
conditions, that is temperature and equivalents of oxidant, the oxida-
tion can give the compounds of general formula (I) above described
where X is 1 or 2.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R3,
R4, R5, and Y, have the meanings defined above, and — is a single
bond can be obtained by reduction of the corresponding compounds of
general formula (I) where the symbol — is double bond, by catalytic
hydrogenation, either with hydrogen gas or in hydrogen transfer condi

tions, in the presence of a metal catalyst, such as, Pd/C, PtO2, Pt, Pt/C.
Raney Nickel. As a hydrogen transfer reagent, ammonium formate, so-
dium hypophosphite or cyclohexadiene can be used. The reaction can
be carried out in a solvent, such as. for example, ethanol, methanol,
ethyl acetate, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetic acid, N,N-dimethyl-
formamide, water or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0
°C and the reflux temperature, at a pressure ranging from atmospheric
pressure to 10 atm. According to the substrate and the conditions used,
the hydrogenation can selectively affect one or more double bonds.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols B, R1, R2, R3, R4,
R5, Y, and — have the meanings defined above, and A is
CR6 CH=CH , CR6CH2, where R6 is hydrogen, can be obtained
from the corresponding compounds of general formula (I) where R6 is
hydroxy by deoxygenation with one of the methods reported in litera-
ture for such a kind of reaction, such as, for example, reaction with
thiocarbonyldiimidazole and tri-n-butylstannane, carbon disulfide in
the presence of a base followed by methyl iodide and treatment with
tri-n-butylstannane, NaBH3CN and ZnI2, NaBH4 in acetic acid.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B. R1, R2, R3,
R4, R5, Y, and — have the meanings defined above, R1 is
C(=NR9)NHR10, where R9 and R10 have the meanings reported above,
can be obtained from the corresponding compounds of general formula
(I) where R1 is hydrogen, by reaction with compounds of general for-
mula (XIII)

where R9 and R10 have the meanings reported above and T is a leaving
group, such as, for example, methylthio, 1-pyrazolyl. The reaction can
be carried out in a solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-
dimethoxyethane, methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water
or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux

temperature, optionally in the presence of a base, such as sodium or
potassium hydroxide, triethylamine. diethylisopropylamine.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R5,
Y, and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independ-
ently, are N OR12 when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in po-
sition 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in po-
sition 7 with R4, independently, are double bonds, can be obtained from
the corresponding compounds of general formula (I) where R3 and R4,
being R3 and R4 the same or different, are O, with the meaning of a
keto group, with one of the methods reported in literature for such re-
actions, such as. for example, by reaction with compounds of general
formula H2NOR12 where R12 has the meanings defined above, in the
form of the free base or of a salt, such as, for example, hydrochloride, in
a solvent such as dioxane. tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane,
methanol, ethanol. N,N-dimethylformamide. pyridine, water or their
mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux tempera-
ture. The reaction may be carried out in the presence of a base, such as
sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, so-
dium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydro-
chloric acid, hydrobromic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium
or potassium acetate, sodium or potassium phosphate, disodium or di-
potassium hydrogenphosphate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphos-
phate.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R5,
Y, and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independ-
ently, are CR13R14 when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi-
tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi-
tion 7 with R4 are double bonds, can be obtained from the correspond-
ing compounds of general formula (I) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4
the same or different, are O, with the meaning of a keto group, with
one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as,
for example, by reaction with compounds of general formula (XIV) or
(XV),

where R13, R14, and R19 are as defined above and Hal is a halogen, such
as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo. The reaction with compounds of
general formula (XIV) or (XV) can be carried out in a solvent such as
diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, toluene,
N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, n pentane or their mix-
tures, at, a temperature ranging from -78 °C and the reflux tempera-
ture. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a base, such as. for
example, sodium or potassium hydride, sodium or potassium methox-
ide, sodium or potassium tert-butoxide. The reaction can be carried out
also in a mixture of organic solvent, such as, for examplwater, in the
presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary ammo-
nium salt, such as, for example, tetrabutylammonium e, dichloro-
methane, chlorobenzene, toluene, hexane, pentane and chloride or bro-
mide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C
and the reflux temperature of the mixture. The reaction with com-
pounds of general formula (XV) can be carried out also in water or in a
mixture of the above mentioned solvents with water, at a temperature
ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. These reactions can be
carried out in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or
potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium hydrogencarbonate. sodium
or potassium carbonate, triethylamine, diisopropylethylamine, option-
ally in the presence of a salt, such as lithium chloride.
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R5,
Y. and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independ-
ently, are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups substituted with a
hydroxy group, in particular are hydroxymethyl, when the bonds —
linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with
R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be
obtained from the corresponding compounds of general formula (I)
where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are CR13R14,
where R13 and R14 are hydrogens, when the bonds — linking the car-

bon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the car-
bon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, with one of the meth-
ods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, by
reaction with a borane, such as, for example, borane, or its complexes
with dimethylamine or dimethylsulfide, 9-borabicyclononane, diisopi-
nocanphenylborane, diisoamylborane, in an ethereal solvent, such as.
for example, diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxy-
ethane, followed by treatment with an alkaline aqueous hydrogen per-
oxide solution or sodium perborate.
With the same methods, also compounds of general formula (I) where
the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R3, Y. and — have the meanings defined
above, and R3 and R4, independently, are C1-C6 straight or branched
alkyl groups substituted with a hydroxy group, in particular are hy-
droxyethyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6
of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7
with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from the corresponding com-
pounds of general formula (I) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the
same or different, are vinyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon
atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon
atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds. Compounds of general
formula (I) where the substituents R3 and R4, independently, are vinyl,
when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the andro-
stane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are
single bonds, can be obtained by reaction of compounds of general for-
mula (I) where R3 and R4, independently, are CHO, with methyl-
triphenylphosphonium chloride or bromide or iodide by using the same
reaction conditions above described involving compounds of general
formula (XIV) or (XV).
Compounds of general formula (I) where the symbols A, B, R1, R2, R5,
Y. and — have the meanings defined above, and R3 and R4, independ-
ently, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are O, with the meaning
of a keto group, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi-
tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi-

tion 7 with R4 are double bonds, can be obtained from the correspond-
ing compounds of general formula (I) where R1 and R4, being R3 and R4
the same or different, are hydroxy, when the bonds — linking the
carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the
carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, with one of the re-
agents reported in literature for such oxidations, such as. for example,
iodoxybenzoic acid, Dess-Martin periodinane. oxalyl chloride and
triethylamine, CrO3 in pyridine or in sulfuric acid and acetone, pyridin-
ium chlorochromate, pyridinium dichromate.
Compounds of general formula (II), as defined above, can be prepared
starting from known compounds with proper functionality in the dif-
ferent, positions, already reported in the literature or from commer-
cially available compounds, such as, for example, 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-
en-17-one, 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione, following the general
procedures listed below. The following list of compounds is an example,
not limiting the scope of the invention, of reported methods of prepara-
tion of compounds (II): androstane-3,6,17-trione, 6α-hydroxyandrosta-
ne-3.17-dione, 6β-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione, 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylenedioxy)androstan-6α-ol, and 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylenedioxy)-
androstan-6-one reported in S. De Munari et al, J. Med. Chem., 2003,
3644; 3β- acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione in E. S. Arsenou et al., Ster-
oids 68 (2003) 407-4143; 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-5-androsten-7-one
in Pui-Kai Li and R. W. Brueggemeier, J.Med.Chem. 1990, 33, 101-105.
Compounds of general formula (II), where R2 and R4 are, independ-
ently, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, can be prepared from com-
pounds of general formula (II), where R2 and R4 are hydrogen and R3 is
oxygen, when the symbol — linking R3 to the androstane skeleton is
double bond, the symbol — linking R4 to the androstane skeleton is
single bond and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are sin-
gle bonds, by treatment with a base, such as, for example, sodium or
potassium hydride, sodium or potassium methoxide, sodium or potas-
sium tert-butoxide, lithium diisopropylamide in a solvent such as di-
ethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, toluene,

N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide or their mixtures, at a
temperature ranging from -78 oC and the reflux temperature, followed
by quenching with a C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl-LG, where LG is
a leaving group, such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, mesyloxy, p-
toluensulfonyloxy, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy, at a temperature rang-
ing from -78 °C and the reflux temperature. The reaction can be carried
out also in a mixture of organic solvent, such as, for example, di-
chloromethane, chlorobenzene. toluene, hexane, and water, in the
presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide and a quaternary ammo-
nium salt, such as, for example, tetrabutylammonium chloride or bro-
mide or iodide or hydrogensulfate. at a temperature ranging from 0 °C
and the reflux temperature of the mixture.
By using the same reactions reported above, compounds of general
formula (II). where R3 is C1-C6, straight or branched alkyl. can be pre-
pared by treatment of the corresponding compounds of general formula
(II), where R3 is hydrogen and R4 is oxygen, when the symbol — link-
ing R3 to the androstane skeleton is single bond, the symbol — link-
ing R1 to the androstane skeleton is double bond and the symbols —
in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds.
Compounds of general formula (II) where R2 is OR11, can be obtained
by treatment of compound of general formula (II). where R2 is hydroxy,
when the symbols — in positions 4-5 and 5-6, are single bonds, with
compounds of general formula R11-LG, where LG is a leaving group,
such as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, mesyloxy, p-toluen-
sulfonyloxy, trifluoromethanesulfonyloxy. The reaction can be carried
out in a solvent such as diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-
dimethoxyethane, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, toluene,
or their mixtures, at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux
temperature, optionally in the presence of a base, such as, for example,
sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, so
dium or potassium hydrogencarbonate, sodium or potassium hydride,
sodium or potassium methoxide, sodium or potassium tertbutoxide,
and, optionally, of a salt, such as, for example, sodium or potassium io-

dide. The reaction can be carried out also in a mixture of organic sol-
vent, such as. for example, dichloromethane, chlorobenzene, toluene,
hexane, and water, in the presence of sodium or potassium hydroxide
and a quaternary ammonium salt, such as, for example, tetrabtylam-
monium chloride or bromide or iodide or hydrogensulfate, at a tem-
perature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature of the mixture.
By using the same reactions reported above, compounds of general
formula (II) where R3 and R4 are, independently, OR18, can be obtained
by treatment of compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4 are
hydroxy, when the symbols — in positions 4-5. 5-6, and 6-7, are single
bonds, with compounds of general formula R18-LG.
By using the same reactions reported above, compounds of general
formula (II) where R5 is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, can be
obtained by treatment of compounds of general formula (II) where R' is
H, when the symbol — in positions 17 is single bond, with compounds
of general formula C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl-LG.
Compounds of general formula (II) where R2, R3, and R4 are, independ-
ently, ONO2 can be obtained by treatment of compounds of general
formula (II), where R2, R3, and R4 are, independently, hydroxy, when
the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, with ni-
tric acid in acetic anhydride or acetic acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid
in dichloromethane. nitrosyl fluoride or tetrafluoborate in acetonitrile.
Compounds of general formula (II), where the substituents R3 and R4,
independently, are NOR12, where the bonds — linking the carbon
atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon
atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the symbols — in
positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, can be obtained by treat-
ment of compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4 are, inde-
pendently, oxygen, with the meaning of keto groups, being R3 and R4
the same or different, by reaction with compounds of general formula
H2NOR12, where R12 has the meanings defined above, in the form of the

free base or of a salt, such as. for example, hydrochloride, in a solvent
such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran. 1.2-dimethoxyethane, methanol,
ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, water or their mixtures, at a tem-
perature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. The reaction
may be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium or potas-
sium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium
hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydro-
bromic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium ace-
tate, sodium or potassium phosphate, disodium or dipotassium hydro-
genphosphate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphosphate.
Compounds of general formula (II). where the substituents R3 and R4.
independently, are CR13R14, and the bonds — linking the carbon atom
in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in
position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the symbols — in positions
4-5. 5-6. and 6-7 are single bonds, can be obtained by reaction of com-
pounds of general formula (II)where R3 and R4 are, independently, oxy-
gen, with the meaning of keto groups, being R3 and R4 the same or dif-
ferent, with compounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV),

where R13, R14, and R19 are as defined above and Hal is a halogen, such
as, for example, chloro, bromo, iodo, in the same reaction conditions
above described for the compounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV).
Compounds of general formula (II) where the substituents R3 and R4,
independently, are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups substituted
with a hydroxy group, in particular are hydroxymethyl, when the
bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane
skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R1 are single
bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where
R3 and R4, being R3 and R1 the same or different, are CR13R14, where
R13 and R14 are hydrogens, when the bonds — linking the carbon

atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon
atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, with one of the methods
reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example, with a
borane, such as, for example, borane, or its complexes with dimethyl-
amine or dimethylsulfide. 9-borabicyclononane, diisopinocanphenylbo-
rane, diisoamylborane, in an ethereal solvent, such as, for example, di-
ethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, followed
by treatment with an alkaline aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution or
sodium perborate.
With the same methods, also compounds of general formula (II) in
which the substituents R3 and R1. independently, are C1-C6, straight or
branched alkyl groups substituted with a hydroxy group, in particular
are hydroxyethyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi-
tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi-
tion 7 with R1 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of
general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or dif-
ferent, are vinyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi-
tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi-
tion 7 with R4 are single bonds.
Compounds of general formula (II) where the substituents R3 and R4,
independently, are vinyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom
in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in
position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained by reaction of com-
pounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R5, independently, are
CHO, with methyltriphenylphosphonium chloride or bromide or iodide
by using the same reaction conditions above described involving com-
pounds of general formula (XIV) or (XV).
Compounds of general formula (II) where the substituents R3 and R4,
independently, are ethynyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon
atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon
atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained by reaction
of compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, independently,

are CHO. with chloromethyltriphenylphosphonium chloride or bromide
or iodide and n-butyllithium from -78 oC to room temperature followed
by further treatment with n-butyllithium.
Compounds of general formula (II) where the substituents R3 and R4,
independently, are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups, when the
bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane
skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single
bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where
R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are CR13R14, where
R13 and R14 are hydrogen or C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl groups,
when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the andro-
stane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are
double bonds, with one of the methods reported in literature for such
reactions, such as by catalytic hydrogenation. in the reaction conditions
described above for a similar transformation of compounds of general
formula (I).
Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently,
are C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl groups, in particular methyl and
ethyl, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the
androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4
are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula
(II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are hy-
droxymethyl and 2-hydroxyethyl with one of the methods reported in
literature for such reactions, such as treatment with mesyl or tosyl-
chloride. in the presence of a base, followed by reduction with a hy-
dride, such as, for example, sodium borohydride or lithium aluminum-
hydride, or hydroxy by deoxygenation with one of the methods reported
in literature for such a kind of reaction, such as, for example, reaction
with thiocarbonyldiimidazole and tri-n-butylstannane, carbon disulfide
in the presence of a base followed by methyl iodide and treatment with
tri-n-butylstannane, NaBH3CN and ZnI2, NaBH4 in acetic acid.

Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently,
are COOR15, where R15 is hydrogen, when the bonds — linking the
carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the
carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained
from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and
R4 the same or different, are hydroxymethyl, by oxidation with one of
the reagents reported in literature for such oxidations, such as, for ex-
ample, iodoxybenzoic acid, Dess-Martin periodinane, oxalyl chloride
and triethylamine and dimethylsulfoxide in methylene chloride, CrO3
in pyridine or in sulfuric acid and acetone, pyridinium chlorochromate.
pyridinium dichromate. to give the intermediate aldehyde, where R3
and R4, independently, are CHO. followed by further oxidation to the
carboxylic acid with one of the reagents reported in literature for such
oxidations, such as, for example, potassium permanganate, chromic
anhydride in sulfuric acid/acetone, pyridinium dichromate in N,N-
dimethylformamide.
Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently,
are COOR15 or CONR16R17, where R15 is a C1-C6 straight or branched
alkyl group and R16 and R17 are as above defined, when the bonds —
linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with
R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be
obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R3 and R4, be-
ing R3 and R4 the same or different, are COOH, by treatment with a
compound of general formula R15OH or HNR16R17 with one of the
methods reported in literature for such transformations, such as, for
example, condensation in the presence of a condensing reagent such as.
N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)car-
bodiimide hydrochloride, SOCl2 POCl3, or PCl5, or compounds of for-
mula (II) can be treated previously with SOCl2, POCl3, PCl5. optionally
in the presence of a base, such as, for example, sodium or potassium
hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hy-
drogencarbonate, triethylamine, pyridine, or 4-dimethylaminopyridine.

Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently,
are CONR16R17, where and R16 and R17 are as above defined, when the
bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane
skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are single
bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where
R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or different, are COOR15, where
R15 is a C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, by treatment with a
compound of general formula HNR16R17 with one of the methods re-
ported in literature for such transformations, such as, for example, in
water, methanol or ethanol, eventually in the presence of a catalytic
amount, of sodium methoxide.
Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4. independently,
are CH=N-OH. when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi-
tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi-
tion 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of
general formula (II) where R3 and R4, being R3 and R4 the same or dif-
ferent, are CHO, by treatment with hydroxylamine as the free base or
in the form of a salt, such as hydrochloride, sulfate, phosphate, in a
solvent such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane,
methanol, ethanol, N,N-dimethylformamide. water or their mixtures,
at a temperature ranging from 0 °C and the reflux temperature. The
reaction can be carried out in the presence of a base, such as sodium or
potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potas-
sium hydrogencarbonate, or of an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hy-
drobromic acid, acetic acid, or of a salt, such as sodium or potassium
acetate, sodium or potassium phosphate, disodium or dipotassium hy-
drogenphosphate, sodium or potassium dihydrogenphosphate.
Compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4, independently,
are CN, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of
the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with
R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of general for-
mula (II) where where R3 and R4 are oxygen, with the meaning of keto
groups, being R3 and R4 the same or different, where the bonds —

linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with
R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds, and the
symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds, with one of
the methods reported in literature for such transformations, such as,
for example, treatment with tosylmethyl isocyanide in the presence of
a base.
Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently,
are NHCHO and NHCOCH3. when the bonds — linking the carbon
atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon
atom in position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from com-
pounds of general formula (II) where where R3 and R1 are NOR1-.
where R12 is hydrogen, being R3 and R4 the same or different, where
the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane
skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double
bonds, and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6. and 6-7 are single
bonds, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reduc-
tions, such as, for example, treatment with lithium aluminumhydride,
catalytic hydrogenation, or sodium or lithium or magnesium in an al-
cohol, followed by formylation with formic acid or acetylation with ace-
tic anhydride, optionally in the presence of a base, such as, for exam-
ple, triethylamine, pyridine, or 4-dimethylaminopyridine or acetic acid
in the presence of a condensing agent, such as, for example. N.N'-
dicyclohexylcarbodiimide. N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodii-
mide hydrochloride.
Compounds of general formula (II). where R3 and R4, independently,
are spiroxirane, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi-
tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi-
tion 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of
general formula (II) where R3 and R4 are CR13R14, where R13 and R14
are hydrogen, being R3 and R4 the same or different, where the bonds
— linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton
with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds,
and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds,

with one of the reagents reported in literature for such reactions, such
as, for example perbenzoic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, magnesium
perphthalate, perphthalic acid, peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide and
sodium hydroxide in acetonitrile.
Compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4, independently,
are spirooxirane, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in posi-
tion 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in posi-
tion 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of
general formula (II) where R3 and R4, independently, are 0, with the
meaning of keto groups, where the bonds — linking the carbon atom
in position 6 the androstane skeleton with R4 and the carbon atom in
position 7 with R4 are double bonds, being R3 and R4 the same or dif-
ferent, and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single
bonds, with one of the reagents reported in literature for such reac-
tions, such as, for example trimethylsulfonium iodide or trimethylsul-
foxonium iodide in the presence of a base, such as sodium hydride, so-
dium methoxide, potassium tert-butoxide.
Compounds of general formula (II), where R3 and R4, independently,
are spirocyclopropane, when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in
position 6 of the androstane skeleton with R3 and the carbon atom in
position 7 with R4 are single bonds, can be obtained from compounds of
general formula (II) where R3 and R4 are CR13R14, where R13 and R14
are hydrogen, being R3 and R4 the same or different, where the bonds
— linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane skeleton
with R3 and the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are double bonds,
and the symbols — in positions 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 are single bonds,
with one of the reagents reported in literature for such reactions, such
as, for example, diiodomethane and diethyltin or tin-copper alloy.
Compounds of general formula (II) where R5 is C2-C6 acyl group, when
the bond — in position 17 of the androstane skeleton is a single bond,
can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where R5 is
hydrogen, with one of the methods reported in literature for such reac-

tions, such as. for example, by reaction with compounds of general for-
mula C1-C5, straight or branched alkyl-COOH in the presence of a con-
densing reagent such as, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, N-ethyl-N'-(3-
dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride, SOCl2 POCl3, or
PCl5, or compounds of formula C1-C5 straight or branched alkyl-COOH
can be treated previously with SOCl2, POCl3, PCl5. optionally in the
presence of a base, such as. for example, sodium or potassium hydrox-
ide, sodium or potassium carbonate, sodium or potassium hydrogen-
carbonate, triethylamine, pyridine, or 4 dimethylamino-pyridine.
Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is mercapto. where the
symbols R2, R3, R4, R5 and — have the meanings defined above and Z
is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, can be obtained
from compounds of general formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, with one
of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for
example, by reaction with thiocarboxylic acids, such as thioacetic acid,
in the presence of diethyl or diisopropyl azodicarboxylate and tributyl-
phosphine or triphenylphosphine, followed by cleavage of the thioester
group with ammonia, sodium methanethiolate or propanethiolate.
Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is NHR8. where the sym-
bols R2, R3, R4, R5, R8, and — have the meanings defined above and Z
is hydrogen, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II)
where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), when the symbols
are taken together with the meaning of double bond, with one of the
methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example,
by reaction with compounds of general formula NH2R8 in the presence
of a reducing agent, such as, for example, sodium borohydride or so-
dium cyanoborohydride at the appropriate pH.
Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is NHR8, where the sym-
bols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined above, R8 is hy-
drogen and Z is hydrogen, can be obtained from compounds of general
formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), when
the symbols are taken together with the meaning of double bond,

with one of the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such
as. for example, by reaction with compounds of general formula
HONH2 to give the oxime followed by reduction with a reducing agent,
such as, for example, sodium in an alcohol, lithium aluminumhydride,
or by hydrogenation over a metal catalyst, such as, for example, Pt, Pd
or Raney Nickel.
Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is CHO, where the symbols
R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined above and Z is hy-
drogen, can be obtained from compounds of general formula (II) where
Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), when the symbols
art- taken together with the meaning of double bond, with one of the
methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for example,
by reaction with methoxymethyl triphenylphosphonium chloride in the
presence of a strong base, such as. for example, sodium hydride or po-
tassium tert-butoxide, followed by acidic hydrolysis of the intermediate
methyl enolether; by reaction with trimethylsulfonium iodide or
trimethylsulfoxonium iodide in the presence of a base, such as sodium
hydride, sodium methoxide, potassium tert-butoxide followed by
treatment with boron trifluoride etherate; by reaction with methyl-
triphenylphosphonium iodide in the presence of a base, such as sodium
hydride, sodium methoxide, potassium tert-butoxide. to give the me-
thylene derivative, which on treatment with borane and sodium perbo-
rate or alkaline hydrogen peroxide gives the hydroxymethyl derivative,
which can be oxidized to the desired carboxaldehyde with one of the re-
agents reported in literature for such oxidations, such as, for example,
iodoxybenzoic acid, Dess-Martin periodinane, oxalyl chloride and
triethylamine, CrO3 in pyridine or in sulfuric acid and acetone, pyridin-
ium chlorochromate. pyridinium dichromate.
Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is hydroxy, where the
symbols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined above and Z
is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group can be obtained from com-
pounds of general formula (II) where Q and Z represent together a keto
group (=O), when the symbols are taken together with the meaning

of double bond, with one of the methods reported in literature for such
reactions, such as, for example, by reaction with a compound of general
formula C1-C6 alkylMetT, where Met is a metal atom and T is nothing,
halogen or a different metal atom depending on the oxidation state of
the Met metal atom, such as, for example, Li, MgCl, MgBr, Mgl, and
CuLi.
Compounds of general formula (II) where Q is NHR8 where the sym-
bols R'2. R3, R4, R5. and — have the meanings defined above, R8 is hy-
drogen and Z is C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group can be obtained
from compounds of general formula (II) where Q is hydroxy with one of
the methods reported in literature for such reactions, such as, for ex-
ample, by reaction with hydrocyanic acid in the presence of a strong
acid such as, for example, sulfuric acid, followed by hydrolysis of the
intermediate formamide.
Compounds of general formula (III) - (XV) are commercially available
or can be prepared from commercially available compounds by stan-
dard procedures.
In all said transformations, any interfering reactive group can be pro-
tected and then deprotected according to well established procedures
described in organic chemistry (see for example: T. W. Greene and P.
G. M. Wuts "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", J. Wiley & Sons,
Inc., 3rd Ed., 1999) and well known to those skilled in the art.
All said transformations are only examples of well established proce-
dures described in organic chemistry (see for example: J. March "Ad-
vanced Organic Chemistry", J. Wiley & Sons, Inc., 4th Ed., 1992) and
well known to those skilled in the art.
The compounds of formula (I) as defined above are useful agents for the
treatment of cardiovascular disorders, such as heart failure and hyper-
tension. Moreover said compounds show affinity and inhibit the enzy-
matic activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase.

Since the compounds of the present invention are shown to be able to
antagonize the molecular effects induced by nanomolar ouabain con-
centrations on the Na-KATPase, they will be effective the treatment of
the diseases caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the the diseases
caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain include: re-
nal failure progression in autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease
(ADPKD), preeclamptic hypertension and proteinuria and renal failure
progression in patients with adducin polymorphisms.
In autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), cyst forma-
tion and enlargement are due to cell proliferation and transepithelial
secretion of fluids, causing progressive impairment renal function and
kidney failure. 1 over 1000 subjects are affected by ADPKD which
represents the first genetic cause of renal failure. Renal Na-K ATPase
is essential for ion and fluid transport in ADPKD cells and its misloca-
tion and function alteration have been described in this pathology (Wil-
son PD et al. Am J Pathol 2000; 156:253-268). Ouabain, the inhibitor of
the Na-KATPase. inhibits fluid secretion in ADPKD cysts (Grantham
JJ et al. I Clin. Invest. 1995; 95:195-202) at micromolar concentrations,
conversely, at nanomolar concentrations, which are similar to the circu-
lating endogenous ouabain ones, ouabain stimulates ADPKD cell pro-
liferation but does not affect normal human kidney cell growth
(Nguyen AN et al. 2007; 18:46-57) . It. has been demonstrated that oua-
bain stimulates ADPKD proliferation by binding to the Na-KATPase
with high affinity and triggering the activation of the MEK-ERK path-
way (Nguyen AN et al. 2007; 18:46-57).
Preeclampsia is a potential devastating disorder of hypertension in
pregnancy for which an effective treatment is still lacking. Elevated
circulating levels of cardenolides and bufodienolides have been re-
ported in preeclamptic patients and in rat models of the disease (Lo-
patin DA et al J. Hypertens. 1999;17:1179-1187; Graves SV et al. Am
J Hypertens. 1995; 8:5-11: Adair CD et al. Am J Nephrol. 1996; 16:529-

531). The data available suggest that in preeclampsia elevated plasma
concentrations of Na-K ATPase inhibitors lead to vasoconstriction and
malignant hypertension (Vu HV et al. Am J Nephrol. 2005; 25:520-
528). Recently, Digoxin-specific Fab (Digibind) have been proved to re-
duce blood pressure and increase natriuresis in preeclamptic patients
(Pullen MA al.JPET 2004; 310:319-325).
Glomerulosclerosis-associated proteinuria is due to an impairment of
the slit-pore structure formed by the podocyte foot-processes in the
glomerulus. In particular, slit diaphragm proteins such as nephrin,
ZO1, podocyn, synaptopodin and others, in addition to their structural
functions participate in common signaling pathways regulated by Fyn
a tyrosin kinase of the Src family kinases ( Benzing T. J Am Soc
Nephrol 2004; 15:1382-1391). Recently, a key role in the structure of
the slit pore has been ascribed to beta adducin, a cytoskeletal protein
under the control of Fyn (Gotnh H BBRC 2006; 346:600-605; Shima T
et al. JBC 2001; 276: 42233-42240). Adducin polymorphisms joint to
that of ACE have been found associated to impaired renal function in
European and Chinese populations (Wang JG et al. J Mol Med 2004;
82:715-722; Wang JG et al. Am J Kidney Dis. 2001; 38: 1158-1168). Ro-
stafuroxin and analogues, as endogenous ouabain antagonists, have
been described to be able to antagonize the molecular effect of adducin
polymorphism on tyrosin kinase signaling (Ferrandi M. et al.
JBC.2004; 279:33306-14; Ferrari et al.Am J Physiol Regul 2006;
290:R529-535; Ferrari P. et al. Med Hypothes. 2007; 68:1307-1314).
Moreover the compounds of the invention possess positive inotropic
features, as shown by slow intravenous infusion in anesthetized guinea
pig according to Cerri (Cerri A. et al., J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 2332)
and have a low toxicity when compared with standard cardiotonic ster-
oids, e.g. digoxin.
The pharmaceutical compositions will contain at least one compound of
Formula (I) as an active ingredient, in an amount such as to produce a
significant therapeutic effect. The compositions covered by the present
invention are entirely conventional and are obtained with methods
which are common practice in the pharmaceutical industry, such as,

for example, those illustrated in Remington's Pharmaceutical Science
Handbook, Mack Pub. N.Y. - latest, edition. According to the admini-
stration route chosen, the compositions will be in solid or liquid form,
suitable for oral, parenteral or intravenous administration. The compo-
sitions according to the present invention contain, along with the active
ingredient, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipi-
ent. These may be particularly useful formulation coadjuvants. e.g.
solubilising agents, dispersing agents, suspension agents, and emulsi-
fying agents.
In keeping with another object of the present invention, the pharma-
ceutical compositions contain at least one formula (I) compound as the
active ingredient, in an amount such as to produce a significant thera-
peutic effect without causing cardiovascular side effects. The composi-
tions covered by the present invention are entirely conventional and
are obtained using methods which are common practice in the pharma-
ceutical industry, such as are illustrated, for example, in Remington's
Pharmaceutical Science Handbook, Mack Pub. N.Y. - latest edition.
According to the administration route opted for. the compositions will
be in solid or liquid form, suitable for oral, parenteral or intravenous
administration. The compositions according to the present invention
contain at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle or excipient
along with the active ingredient. They may be particularly useful coad-
juvant agents in formulation, e.g. solubilising agents, dispersing
agents, suspension agents and emulsifying agents.
The following examples further illustrate the invention.
Example 1
(E) 3-(4-Piperidyl)oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (I-aa)
To a solution of 4-piperidyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-a, Prepn. 1,
100 mg) and Na2HPO4 12 H2O (380 mg) in water (1.6 mL), a solution
of androstane-3,6,17-trione (160 mg) in THF (3.2 mL) was added. After

2 hours at room temperature, NaCl (150 mg) was added and stirred for
15 min. The mixture was extracted with THF (2x2 mL) and the com-
bined organic phases were washed with brine (3x3 mL), dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:MeOH:NH3 9:1:0.1). To the concen-
trated fractions 5M HCl in EtOAc was added. After dilution with Et20,
the solid was collected by filtration to give the title compound I-aa (140
mg, 60%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.68 (2H,
bb), 4.17 (1H, m), 3.15-2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-1.10 (23H, m), 0.79 (3H, s),
0.78 (3H, s).
Example 2
(E,Z) 3-(3-Azetidinvl)oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione fumarate (I-ab)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an-
drostane-3,6,17-trione (950 mg) and 3-azetidinyloxyamine dihydrochlo-
ride (IH-b, Prepn. 2, 500 mg), the title compound I-ab was obtained
(1.21 g, 80%) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from
TMS): δ 6.50 (2H, s), 4.87 (1H, m), 4.10-2.90 (5H, m), 2.50-1.20 (19H,
m), 0.79 (6H, s).
Example 3
(E) 3-[3-(RS)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochlo-
ride (I-ac)
A solution of 3-(RS)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IH-c,
Prepn. 3, 227 mg) and androstane-3,6,17-trione (495 mg) in THF : wa-
ter (2/1, 27 mL) was stirred for 30 min. NaCl was added and stirred till
the two phases separated. After extraction of the aqueous layer with
THF, the combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried and
evaporated. The crude was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CH2Cl2:MeOH:NH3 9:1:0.1). To the concentrated fractions 5M HC1 in
EtOAc was added. After dilution with Et2O, the solid was collected by
filtration to give the title compound I-ac (464 mg, 60%). 1H-NMR (300

MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.59 (1H, bb), 9.41 (1H, bb), 4.74
(1H, m), 3.80-2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-1.20 (21H, m), 0.78 (6H, s).
Example 4
(E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6.17-dione hydrochlo-
ride (I-ad)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an-
drostane-3,6,17-trione (605 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihy-
drochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 350 mg). the title compound I-ad was ob-
tained as a white solid from the crude after evaporation of THF. wash-
ing of the residue with EtOAc, and filtration (653 mg, 78%). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.23 (2H, bb), 4.74 (1H, m),
3.30-2.90 (5H. m), 2.60-1.20 (21H, m). 0.79 (3H, s). 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 5
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochlo-
ride (I-ae)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an-
drostane-3,6,17-trione (1.00 g) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydro-
chloride (III-e, Prepn. 5. 0.58g), the title compound I-ae was obtained
as a white solid from the crude after evaporation of THF, washing of
the residue with EtOAc, and filtration (1.00 g, 72%). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.20 (2H, bb), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.35-
2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-1.20 (21H, m), 0.79 (6H, s).
Example 6
(E) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrroudinylloxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride
(I-af)

(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochlo-
ride (1-ae, Example 5, 650 rag) was suspended in EtOAc (150 mL) and
stirred for 3 hrs. After filtration, the procedure was repeated on the
solid to give the title compound I-af (300 mg, 46%) as a white solid. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.20 (2H, bb), 4.74 (1H,
m), 3.30-2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-1.20 (21H, m), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 7
(Z)-3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6.17-dione hydrochloride
(I-ag)
The mother liquor of the first filtration reported in Example 6, was
evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in EtOH, filtrated on
charcoal and the filtrate evaporated to dryness to give the title com-
pound I-ag (250 mg, 38 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz.
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.22 (2H, bb), 4.75 (1H, m). 3.30-3.15 (6H,
m), 3.10 (1H, m), 2.95 (1H, m), 2.50-1.00 (18H, m), 0.76 (3H, s), 0.75
(3H, s).
Example 8
(E.Z) 3-[2-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]methoxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydro-
chloride (I-ah)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an-
drostane-3,6,17-trione (100 mg) and 2-[(R)-pyrrolidinyl]methoxyamine
dihydrochloride (IH-f, Prepn. 6, 150 mg), the title compound I-ah was
obtained (130 mg, 57%) as a white solid. 1H-NME (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.39 (1H, bb), 8.80 (1H, bb), 4.10 (2H, m), 3.70 (1H,
m), 3.30-2.90 (3H, m), 2.60-1.20 (23H, m), 0.79 (6H, s).
Example 9
(E.Z) 3-[2-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]methoxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydro-
chloride (I-ai)

Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an-
drostane-3,6,17-trione (208 mg) and 2-[(S)-pyrrolidinyl]methoxyamine
dihydrochloride (III-g, Prepn. 7, 130 mg), the title compound I-ai was
obtained (172 mg, 55%), as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.56 (1H, bb), 8.75 (1H, bb), 4.11 (2H, m), 3.68
(1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (3H, m), 2.60-1.20 (23H, m), 0.79 (6H, s).
Example 10
(E) 3-[3'-(R,S)-Piperidinyl]oxyminoandrostane-6.17-dione hydrochlo-
ride (I-ai)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an-
drostane-3,6,17-trione (100 mg) and 3-(RS)-piperidinyloxyamine dihy-
drochloride (III-h. Prepn. 8. 50 mg), the title compound I-aj was ob-
tained (110 mg, 76%) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.68 (2H, bb), 4.21 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (5H, m), 2.60-
1.20 (23H, m), 0.79 (6H, s).
Example 11
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione
hydrochloride (I-ak)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an-
drostane-3,6,17-trione (100 mg) and 3-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyam-
ine dihydrochloride (IIIl-i, Prepn. 9, 62 mg), the title compound I-ak
was obtained (65 mg, 45 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.70-4.60 (bb, 1H), 3.30-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.74
(s, 3H), 2.50-1.20 (m, 25H), 0.79 (s, 3H), 0.77 (s, 3H).
Example 12
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyiminoandrostane-6.17-dione (I-
all

Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from an-
drostane-3,6,17-trione (300 mg) and 3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxy-
amine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10, 190 mg), the title compound
I-al was obtained (384 mg, 85 %) as a light yellow powder. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.57 (1H, m), 2.90 (1H, dd),
2.60-1.00 (25H, m), 2.19 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).
Example 13
(E.Z) 3-(3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl)oxydmino-5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one
hemifumarate (lam)
Prepared in 65% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 5a-
hydroxyandrostane-3,17-trione (II-aa, Prepn. 11) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e, Prepn. 5). The crude
product was purified by flash chromatography (Si02,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et90, the precipitate was filtered to give
the title compound I-am. 1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO d6, ppm from
TMS): 6 9.00 (3H, bb), 6.38 (2H, s), 5.01 (1H, s), 4.75 (0.5H, s), 4.68
(0.5H. s), 3.45-1.00 (27H, m), 0.97 (1.5H, s), 0.94 (1.5H, s), 0.76 (1.5H,
s), 0.75 (1.5H, s).
Example 14
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hy-
drochloride (I-an)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6α-
hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (278 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyami-
ne dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 160 mg), the title compound I-an
was obtained as a white solid from the crude after evaporation of THF,
washing of the residue with EtOAc containing 10% EtOH and filtration
(270 mg, 70%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.15

(2H, bb), 4.73 (1H, m), 4.52 (1H, d), 3.50-2.90 (6H, m), 2.60-0.60 (21H,
m), 0.87 (1.5H, s), 0.85 (1.5H, s), 0.77 (3H, s).
Example 15
(E.Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hy-
drochloride (I-ao)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6α-
hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (209 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyami-
ne dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 120 mg), the title compound I-ao
was obtained as a white solid from the crude after evaporation of THF?
washing of the residue with EtOAc/5% EtOH and filtration (204 mg.
70%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.13 (2H, bb),
4.72 (1H, m), 4.54 (1H, d), 3.50-2.90 (6H, m), 2.60-0.60 (21H, m), 0.86
(1.5H. s), 0.85 (1.5H, s). 0.77 (3H. s).
Example 16
(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-17-oxoandrostane-6α-yl nitrate
hydrochloride (I-ap)
Prepared in 41% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 3,17-
dioxoandrostane-6α-yl nitrate (II-ab, Prepn. 12) and 3-(R) pyrroli
dinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.96 (2H, bb), 4.99 (1H, m), 4.74 (1H, m),
3.40-2.90 (5H, m), 2.45-0.74 (21H, m), 0.99 (1.5H, s), 0.98 (1.5H, s), 0.80
(3H, s).
Example 17
(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one
hydrochloride (I-aa)
Prepared in 75% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6-
methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300

MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.01 (2H, bb), 4.83 (0.5H, m), 4.81
(0.5H, bs), 4.74 (1H, m), 4.50 (1H, m), 4.09 (2H, m), 3.50-0.88 (26H, m),
0.77 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).
Example 18
(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethylandrostan-17-
one hydrochloride (I-ar)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6α-
hydroxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ad, Prepn. 14, 260 mg) and
3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydroehloride (III-e, Prepn. 5. 149 mg),
the title compound I-ar was obtained as a white solid from the crude
after washing with EtOAc and Et2O and filtration (190 mg, 57%). 1H-
NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 9.23 (2H. bb). 4.72 (1H,
m), 4.37 (1H. t), 3.40-2.90 (7H, m), 2.50-0.60 (22H. m).
Example 19
(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methoxymethylandrostane-17-
one hydrochloride (I-as)
Prepared in 60% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6α-
methoxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ae, Prepn. 15) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydroehloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The crude was
purified by flash chromatography (SiO2. CH2Cl2:MeOH:NH3 9:1:0.1).
Fumaric acid was added to the concentrated fractions to give the title
compound I-as (0.43 g, 60%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from
TMS): 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.00 (3H, bb),
6.40 (2H, s), 4.71 (1H, m), 3.34-2.90 (7H, m), 3.22 (1.5H, s), 3.21 (1.5H,
s), 2.44-0.59 (22H, m), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 20

(Z,E) 3-(3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6α-carbamoylandrostane-17-one
hydrochloride (I-at)
By Using the same reaction conditions described in Example 3 and
starting from 6α-carbamoylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-af, Prepn. 16,
500 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn.
5, 262 mg). After 3 hrs the reaction mixture was concentrated to give a
solid which was washed with boiling EtOAc. The solid was filtered to
give, after drying, the title compound I-at (440 mg, 65%) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.57 (2H,
bb). 7.38 (0.5H, bb), 7.31 (0.5H, bb). 6.92 (0.5H, bb), 6.78 (0.5H. bb).
4.62 (1H. m), 2.98 (5H, m). 2.45-0.63 (22H, m). 0.89 (3H. s). 0.78 (3H.
s).
Example 21
(Z.E) 3-(3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6α-methoxycarbonvlandrostane-
17-one hydrochloride (I-au)
By using the same reaction conditions described in Example 3 and
starting from 6a methoxycarbonylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ag,
Prepn. 17, 325 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrohdinyloxyamine dihydrochloride
(IIIl-e, Prepn. 5, 167 mg). After 1 h the reaction mixture was extracted
with THF. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The resulting solid was washed
with Et2O and centrifuged to give, after drying, the title compound I-
au (326 mg, 74%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS): δ 8.88 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 3.61 (1.5H, s), 3.60
(1.5H, s), 3.37-3.05 (4H, m), 2.99 (0.5H, m), 2.74 (0.5H, m), 2.46-0.70
(22H, m), 0.91 (1.5H, s), 0.90 (1,5H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 22
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostan-17-
one hydrochloride (I-av)

Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6-
(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ah, Prepn. 18), 380 mg)
and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 250
mg), the title compound I-av was obtained as a white solid after filtra-
tion from THF (404 mg, 77%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from
TMS): δ 10.56 (0.5H, s), 10.52 (0.5H, s), 9.25 (2H, bb), 4.74 (1H, m),
3.40-3.00 (6H, m), 2.50-1.00 (20H, m), 0.78 (6H, s).
Example 23
(E) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-Methylandrostane-17-one fu-
marate (I-aw)
Prepared in 84% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6α-
methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ai, Prepn. 19) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl-
oxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e. Prepn. 5). The crude product was pu-
rified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH
90/10/1). To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric amount of fu-
maric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/Et20, the precipitate was triturated with Et2O to give the title
compound I-aw. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.50
(3H, bb), 6.41 (2H, m), 4.70 (1H, m), 3.30-2.90 (5H, m), 2.45-0.60 (22H,
m), 0.88 (3H. s), 0.81 (3H. s), 0.77 (3H, s).
Example 24
(Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one hydro-
chloride (I-ax)
Prepared in 70% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6α-
methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ai, Prepn. 19) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl-
oxyamine dihydrochloride (HI-e, Prepn. 5). The crude product was
dissolved in H2O and freeze-dried to give the title compound I-ax. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.03 (2H, bb), 4.73 (1H,

m), 3.30-3.02 (5H, m), 2.45-0.56 (22H, m), 0.87 (3H, m), 0.84 (3H, s),
0.78 (3H, s).
Example 25
(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimmo-6α-formamidoandrostane-17-one
hydrochloride (I-ay)
Prepared in 70% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6α-
formamidoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aj, Prepn. 20) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The crude
product was dissolved in H-JO and freeze-dried to give the title com-
pound I-ay. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.38 (3H,
bb), 8.42-7.50 (2H, m), 4.76 (0.5H, m), 4.71 (0.5H, m), 3.72 (1H, m),
3.29-2.93 (5H. m), 2.44-0.61 (21H, m), 0.93 (1.5H, s), 0.92 (1.5H. s), 0.78
(3H, s).
Example 26
(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-difluoromethyleneandrostan-17-
one hydrochloride (I-az)
Prepared in 71% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 6-
difluoromethyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ak, Prepn. 21) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The crude
product was triturated with EtOAc. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.10 (2H, bb), 4.70 (1H, m), 3.20-2.90 (5H, m), 2.45-
0.80 (21H, m), 0.89 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 27
(Z.E) 3-(3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6-(spirocyclopropane)androstane-
17-one hydrochloride (I-ba)

Prepared in 91% yield as described in Example 1 starting 6-
(spirocyclopropane)androstane-3,l7-dione (II-al, Prepn. 22) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The combined
organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to
dryness to give title compound I-ba. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.02 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 3.30-3.04 (4H, m), 2.98
(0.5H. m), 2.63 (0.5H, m), 2.43-0.71 (21H, m), 0.96 (1.5H, s), 0.95 (1.5H,
s), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.52 (1H, m), 0.43 (1H, m), 0.25 (1H, m), 0.10 (1H, m).
Example 28
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-ethynylandrostane-17-one hy-
drochloride (I-bb)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6ct-
ethynylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-am, Prepn. 23, 80 mg) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 46 mg), the ti-
tle compound I-bb was obtained (128 mg, 90%) as a white powder. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.98 (2H, bb), 4.75 (1H,
m), 3.30-2.90 (6H, m), 2.49-0.85 (22H, m), 0.88 (1.5H, s), 0.87 (1.5H, s),
0.79 (3H, s).
Example 29
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolldinylloxyimino-6α-(2-hydroxyethvl)androstane-
17-one hydrochloride (I-bc)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6α-
(2-hydroxyethyl)androstane-3,17-dione (II-an , Prepn. 24, 310 mg)
and -(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 163
mg), the title compound I-bc was obtained (350 mg, 78 %) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 8.95 (2H,
bb), 4,74 (1H, bs), 4.30 (1H, t), 3.59-3.20 (8H, m), 3.15 (0.5H, m), 3.00
(0.5H, m), 2.45-0.60 (22H, m), 0.89 (1.5H, s), 0.88 (1.5H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).

Example 30
(E.Z) 3-(3'-(R)-Pyrroudinyloxyimino)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostan-17-
one hydrochloride (I-bd)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and stai-ting from 6-
(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ao, Prepn. 25, 390 mg)
and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e, Prepn. 5, 206
mg), the title compound I-bd was obtained (363 mg, 70 %) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.05 (bb,
2H), 4.65-4.55 (bs. 1H), 3.77 (s, 1.5H), 3.75 (s, 1.5H). 3.30-3.00 (s, 7H),
2.47-1.00 (m. 20H), 0.81 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H).
Example 31
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinvnoxyimino-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-
17-one fumarate (I-be)
Prepared in 50% yield following the procedure described in Example 1
starting from 6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ao, Prepn.
25, 400 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d,
Prepn. 4, 210 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chroma-
tography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concen-
trated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH
was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipi-
tate was filtered to give the title compound I-be as a white powder. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H), 4.82-4.75
(m, 1H), 3.75 (s, 1.5H), 3.74 (s, 1.5H), 3.30-2.90 (m, 7H), 2.40-1.00 (m,
19H), 0.76 (s,3H), 0.75 (s, 3H).
Example 32
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6-(E)-methoxyimino-
androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-bf)

Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6-
(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ao, Prepn. 25, 386 mg)
and 3-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i,
Prepn. 9, 220mg), the title compound I-bf was obtained (220 mg, 41
%), after freeze-drying, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.80-4.60 (m, 1H), 4.76 (s, 1.5H), 4.75 (s, 1.5H),
3.25-3.15 (dd, 0.5H), 3.10-0.95 (dd, 0.5H), 2.75 (bs, 3H), 2.40-1.00 (m,
25H), 0.77 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s, 3H).
Example 33
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-(E)-6-methoxyimino-
androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-bg)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6-
(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ao, Prepn. 25, 365 mg)
and 3(R)-1-methyl-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j,
Prepn. 10, 208 mg), the title compound I-bg was obtained (340 mg, 67
%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.12 (bb, 1H), 4.80-4.60 (m. 1H), 3.76 (s, 1.5H), 3.75 (s, 1.5H), 3.25-
3.15 (dd, 0.5H), 3.10-2.95 (dd, 0.5H). 2.75 (s, 3H), 2.45-1.00 (m, 25H),
0.77 (s, 3H), 0.76 (s, 3H).
Example 34
(E.Z) 3 [3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-methylenandrostane-
17-one hydrochloride (I-bh)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 5a-
hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ap, Prepn. 26, 500 mg)
and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 280
mg), the title compound I-bh was obtained (550 mg, 80 %) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.38 (2H,
bb), 4.82 (1H, bs), 4.75 (1H, bs), 4.68 (1H, bs), 3.40-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15
(0.5H, m), 3.00 (0.5H, m), 2.70-1.00 (18H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s).

Example 35
(Z) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-
17-one fumarate (I-bi)
The title compound I-bi was obtained following the procedure de-
scribed in Example 1 starting from 5a-hydroxy-6-methylene-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-ap, Prepn. 26, 125 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrol-
idinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 55 mg). The crude
product was purified by flash chromatography (Si02,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar
fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric: acid in MeOH was
added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et20, the precipitate
was filtered to give the title compound I-bi (64 mg, 40 %) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H).
4.80 (1H, bs), 4.70 (2H, m), 4.63 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.20 (6H, m). 3.15 (1H,
m), 2.40-1.00 (18H, m), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s).
Example 36
(E) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-Methyleneandrostane-
17-one fumarate (I-hj)
Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 35. The stoichiometric amount
of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bj
(60 mg, 37 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H), 4.78 (1H, bs), 4.70 (2H, m), 4.60 (1H, bs),
3.35-3.15 (6H, m), 3.02 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 (18H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.75
(3H, s).

Example 37
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl1oxvimino-5α-hydroxy-6-Methyleneandrostane
-17-one fumarate (I-bk)
Isolated from the unseparated fractions of the flash chromatography
described in Example 35. To the concentrated fractions a stoichiometric
amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1
mixture of EtOAc/Et-jO, the precipitate was filtered to give the title
compound I-bk, after freeze-drying, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300
MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 6.61 (s, 2H), 4.87 (0.5H, bs), 4.84
(0.5H. bs). 4.75 (2H, m). 4.69 (0.5H. bs), 4.67 (0.5H. bs). 3.40-3.10 (6H.
m), 3.15 (0.5H, m), 3.00 (0.5H, m), 2.70-1.00 (18H, m), 0.84 (1.5H, s),
0.82 (1.5H, s), 0.75 (3H, a).
Example 38
(Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-Methylene-
androstane -17-one fumarate (I-bl)
The title compound I-bl was prepared following the procedure de-
scribed in Example 1 starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-ap, Prepn. 26, 70 mg) and 3-(R)-(1-
methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10, 42mg).
The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar
fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was
added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et20, the precipitate
was filtered to give the title compound I-bl (40 mg, 34%) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.45 (s, 2H),
4.82 (lh, bs), 4.68 (2H, bs), 4.58 (1H, m), 3.30-3.20 (6H, m), 3.15-3.08
(1H. bs), 2.80-1.10 (18H, m), 2.26 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).
Example 39

(E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-Methylene-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bm)
Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 38. The stoichiometric amount
of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/Et20, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-
bm (64 rag, 55%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.45 (s, 2H), 4.81 (1H, bs), 4.65 (1H, bs), 4.60 (2H,
m), 3.30-3.20 (6H, m), 2.98-2.88 (1H, m), 2.80-1.10 (18H, m), 2.24 (3H,
s), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).
Example 40
(Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinynoxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bn)
The title compound I-bn was prepared following the procedure de-
scribed in Example 1 starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-ap, Prepn. 26, 100 mg) and 3-(S)-1-Methyl-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9, 60 mg). The
crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2.
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar
fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was
added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate
was filtered to give the title compound I-bn (67 mg, 40%) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.52 (2H, s),
4.81 (1H, bs), 4.66 (1H, bs), 4.59 (2H, m), 3.40-3.20 (6H, m), 3.10-2.98
(1H, m), 2.80-1.10 (18H, m), 2.31 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s).
Example 41
(E) 3-f3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-Methylene-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bo)

Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 40. The stoichiometric amount
of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/EtaO, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-
bo (70 mg. 41%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 6.51
(2H, s), 4.82 (1H, bs), 4.67 (1H, bs), 4.61 (2H, m), 3.40-3.20 (6H, m),
3.05-3.00 (1H, bs), 2.90-1.10 (18H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.74
(3H, s).
Example 42
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstnue-17-one hydrochloride (I-bp)
Prepared in 77% yield as described in Example 1 starting 5α-hydroxy-
6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27) and 3-
(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). The com-
bined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated
to dryness to give title compound I-bp. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS): δ 10.67 (0.5H, s), 10.64 (0.5H, s), 9.01 (2H, bb), 5.08
(0.5H, s), 4.95 (0.5H, s), 4.73 (1H, m), 3.51-2.90 (6H, m), 2.62-1.10 (19H,
m), 0.82 (3H. s), 0.76 (3H, s).
Example 43
(E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-bq)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 5α-
Hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27,
100 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn.
4, 50 mg), the title compound I-bq was obtained (90 mg, 68 %), after
freeze-drying of the precipitated hydrochloride, as a white powder. lH-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72 (0.5H, bs), 10.63
(0.5H, bs), 9.02 (2H, bb), 4.85 (1H, bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m),

3.15 (1H, m), 2.99 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 (17H, m), 0.84 (1.5H, s),0.83
(1.5H. s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 44
(Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one hemifumarate (I-br)
The title compound I-cf was obtained following the procedure described
in Example 1 and starting from 5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-aq. Prepn. 27, 100 mg) and 3-(S)-(1-
methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9, 55 mg).
The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concentrated less polar
fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was
added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was
filtered to give the title compound I-br (70 mg, 48 %), after freeze-
drying, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.62 (s, 1H), 6.39 (s, 1H), 5.00 (s, 1H), 4.70-4.60 (m, 1H), 3.20-
1.00 (m, 25H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 0.80 S, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H).
Example 45
(E) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bs)
Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 44. The stoichiometric amount
of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-
bs (50 mg, 32 %), as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6; ppm from TMS): δ 10.62 (s, 1H). 6.48 (s, 2H), 5.00 (s, 1H), 4.63-4.48 (m, 1H),
3.20-1.00 (m, 25H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.73 (s, 3H).
Example 46

(Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bt)
The title compound I-bt was obtained following the procedure de-
scribed in Example 1 and starting from 5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27, 100 mg) and 3-
(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10,
55 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concentrated less polar
fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was
added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was
filtered to give the title compound I-bt (32 mg. 20 %). after freeze -
drying, as a white amorphous powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, dmso-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.58 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 2H), 5.20-5.10 (m, 1H), 4.65-
4.55 (m, 1H), 3.20-1.00 (m. 25H). 2.32 (s, 3H). 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.75 (s. 3H).
Example 47
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bu)
Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 46. The stoichiometric amount
of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-
bu (70 mg, 44 %), as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, dmso-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.63 (s, 1H), 6.51 (s, 2H), 5.10 (bs, 1H), 4.65-4.55 (m,
1H), 3.20-1.00 (m, 25H), 2.32 (s. 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H), 0.78 (s, 3H).
Example 48
(E.Z)-3-(3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bv)

The title compound I-bv was obtained in 40% yield following the pro-
cedure described in Example 1 and starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-
methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ar, Prepn. 28, 73 mg) and 3-
(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 37 rag). The
crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give
the title compound 1-bv as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H), 5.35 (bs, 0.5H), 5.21 (bs, 0.5H), 4.70
(bs. 1H), 3.73 (s. 1.5H). 3.71 (s. 1.5H). 3.30-2.90 (m. 7H), 2.41-1.00 (m.
1SH), 0.81 (s. 3H), 0.72 (s. 3H).
Example 49
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-bw)
Prepared in 40 % following the procedure described in Example 1 start-
ing from 5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimmoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ar,
Prepn. 28, 420 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride
(III-e, Prepn. 5, 210 mg). The crude product was purified by flash
chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the
concentrated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in
MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the
precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-bw, after freeze-
drying: as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from
TMS): 6 6.41 (s, 2H), 5.30-5.20 (bs, 1H), 4.76-4.65 (m, 1H), 4.75 (s,
1.5H), 4.65 (s, 1.5H), 3.30-2.90 (m, 7H), 2.42-1.00 (m, 18H), 0.82 (s, 3H),
0.73 (s, 3H).
Example 50
(Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bx)

The title compound I-bx was obtained following the procedure de-
scribed in Example 1 starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-
methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ar, Prepn. 28, 100 mg) and 3-
(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9,
55 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar
fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was
added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate
was filtered to give the title compound I-bx (49 mg, 30%) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 6.41 (2H, s),
5.24 (1H, bb), 4.67 (1H, m). 3.72 (3H, s), 3.15 2.75 (6H, m), 2.43 (3H, s),
2.65-1.00 (19H. m). 0.83 (3H, s). 0.75 (3H. s).
Example 51
(E) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-by)
Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 50. The stoichiometric amount
of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-
by (50 mg, 30 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6.
ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (s, 2H), 5.20 (1H, bb), 4.58 (1H, m), 3.76 (3H, s),
3.15-2.75 (6H, m), 2.33 (3H, s), 2.60-1.10 (19H, m), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.75
(3H, s).
Example 52
(Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-bz)
The title compound I-bz was obtained following the procedure de-
scribed in Example 1 starting from 5crhydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-ar, Prepn. 28, 70 mg) and 3-(R)-(1-

methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10, 37 rag).
The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated less polar
fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was
added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate
was filtered to give the title compound I-bz (40 mg, 36%) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.52 (s, 2H),
5.18 (1H, s), 4.58 (1H, m), 3.74 (3H, s), 3.30-3.20 (6H, m), 3.15-3.02 (1H,
m), 2.80-1.10 (18H, m), 2.24 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).
Example 53
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino)-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-ca)
Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 52. The stoichiometric amount
of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addition of a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/EtaO, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-
ca (56 mg, 50 %) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.51 (s. 2H), 5.28 (1H, bb), 4.62 (1H, m), 3.78 (3H, s),
3.30-3.20 (6H, m), 3.05-2.95 (1H, m), 2.90-1.10 (18H, m), 2.32 (3H, s),
0.82 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).
Example 54
(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate (I-
cb)
Prepared in 50% yield as described in Example 1 starting from andro-
stane-3,7,17-trione (II-as, Prepn. 29) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine
dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.00 (3H, bb), 6.40 (2H, s), 4.74 (1H, m), 3.35-0.94 (26H,
m), 1.13 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).

Example 55
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate (I-
cc)
Prepared in 82 % following the procedure described in Example 1 start-
ing from and androstane-3,7,17-trione (II-as, Prepn. 29, 122 mg) and
3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 75 mg).
The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give
the title compound I-cc as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): 6 6.41 (s, 2H), 5.75-5.65 (m, 1H), 3.30-3.00 (m, 6H),
2.95-2.80 (dd, 0.5H). 2.75-2.60 (dd. 0.5H). 2.45-1.05 (m. 19H), 1.12 (s,
3H), 0.78 (s, 3H).
Example 56
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostan-17-
one fumarate (I-cd)
Prepared in 50% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-at, Prepn. 30) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.39 (0.5H, s), 10.36 (0.5H, s), 8.66
(3H, bb), 6.40 (2H, s), 4.66 (1H, m), 3.20-2.78 (6H, m), 2.45-0.83 (20H,
m), 1.01 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s).
Example 57
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7(E)-methoxyiminoandrostan 17-
one fumarate (I-ce)

Prepared in 50% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7-(E)-
methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-au, Prepn. 31) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.00 (3H, bb), 6.40 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H,
m), 3.72 (3H, s), 3.22-2.78 (6H, m), 2.61-0.87 (20H, m) 1.00 (3H, s), 0.80
(3H, s).
Example 58
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7-(E)-allyloxyiminoandrostane-17-
one fumarate (I-cf)
Prepared in 49% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7-(E)-
allyloxyiminoandrostane-3,l7-dione (II-av, Prepn. 32, 270 rag) and 3-
(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 133 mg).
The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give
the title compound I-cf as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.48 (1H, bs), 6.42 (2H, s), 6.00-5.85 (1H, m),
5.30-5.10 (2H, m), 4.70 (1H. bs). 4.45 (2H, d), 3.20-2.80 (6H, m), 2.40-
1.10 (20H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s).
Example 59
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7-Methyleneandrostane-17-one
hydrochloride (I-cg)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7-
methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aw, Prepn. 33, 110 mg) and 3-
(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 64 mg), the
title compound I-cg was obtained (134 mg, 87 %) as a light yellow pow-
der. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.91 (2H, bb),
4.72 (2H, bs), 4.67 (1H, bs), 3.30-3.15 (6H, m), 3.00 (0.5H, m), 2.85
(0.5H, m), 2.45-1.00 (19H, m), 1.00 (1.5H, s), 0.99 (1.5H, s), 0.81 (3H, s).

Example 60
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-hydroxyMethylandrostane-17-
one hydrochloride (I-ch)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7a-
hydroxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-av, Prepn. 34, 90 mg) and 3-
(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 50 mg), the
title compound I-ch was obtained (100 mg, 80%) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.08 (2H, bb), 4.72
(1H, m), 4.32 (1H, m), 3.60-3.15 (8H, m), 3.01 (0.5H. m). 2.75 (0.5H,
m). 2.40-0.90 (20H. m). 0.89 (1.5H. s). 0.88 (1.5H. s). 0.76 (3H. s).
Example 61
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrlidinyl]oxyimino-7β-hydroxyMethylandrostane-17-
one hydrochloride (I-ci)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7p-
hydroxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aw, Prepn. 34, 80 mg) and 3-
(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 44 mg), the
title compound I-ci was obtained (53 mg, 48 %) as a white powder. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 9.08 (2H. bb), 4.76 (1H.
m), 4.40 (1H, m), 3.60-3.15 (8H, m), 3.05 (0.5H, m), 2.85 (0.5H, m),
2.40-0.90 (20H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s).
Example 62
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one fu-
marate (I-ci)
Prepared in 41% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7a-
hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ax, Prepn. 35, 210 mg) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 120 mg). The
crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,

CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumarie acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give
the title compound 1-cj as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.42 (2H, s), 4.62 (1H, bs), 4.32 (1H, bb), 3.75
(1H, m), 3.15-2.90 (5H, m), 2.40-1.00 (21H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.72 (3H,
s).
Example 63
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methylandrostane- 17-one hy-
drochloride (I-ck)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7a
methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ay, Prepn. 36, 31 mg) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 21 mg), the ti-
tle compound was obtained (40 mg, 93 %), after freeze-drying, as a
white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.94
(2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 3.50-3.10 (6H, m), 3.01 (1H, m), 2.40-0.99 (20H,
m), 0.92-0.83 (6H, m), 0.79 (3H, s).
Example 64
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-Methylandrostane- 17-one hy-
drochloride (I-cl)
Prepared in 92% yield as described in Example 1 starting from 7β-
methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-az, Prepn. 37, 512 mg) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 282 mg). The
organic phase was extracted with THF, washed with brine, dried over
Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness to give the title compound
I-cl as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS):
δ 9.08 (2H, bb), 4.71 (1H, m), 3.30-3.10 (6H, m), 3.05 (0.5H, m), 2.78
(0.5H, m), 2.40-0.90 (19H, m). 0.99 (3H, d), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s),
0.80-0.70 (1H, m).

Example 65
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-Methylandrostane-17-one hydro-
chloride (I-cm)
Following the procedure described in Example 65 and starting from 70-
methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-az, Prepn. 37, 90 mg) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 50 mg), the ti-
tle compound I-cm was obtained (46 mg, 36%), after crystallization
from MeOH/EtOAc, as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS): 6 8.94 (2H, bb). 4.72 (1H, m), 3.50-3.10 (6H. m), 3.01
(1H, m). 2.40-0.95 (20H, m), 0.98 (3H. d), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 66
(Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-Methylandyostane-17-one hydro-
chloride (I-cn)
The title compound I-cn was obtained (50 mg, 40%) from the mother
liquor of Example 65, after evaporation, trituration of the residue with
EtOAc. as an off white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.14 (2H, bb), 4.72 (1H, m), 3.45-3.05 (6H, m), 2.78 (1H, m),
2.40-0.95 (20H, m), 0.98 (3H, d). 0.84 (3H, s). 0.79 (3H, s).
Example 67
(Z.E) 3-(3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-7-(spirocyclopropane)androstane-
17-one hydrochloride (I-co)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7-
(spirocyclopropane)androstane-3,17-dione (II-ba, Prepn. 38, 55 mg)
and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5,
30.mg). the title compound I-co was obtained (61 mg, 80 %) as a white
powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 9.02 (2H,
bb), 4.71 (1H, m), 3.30-3.15 (6H, m), 3.05 (0.5H, m), 2.70 (0.5H, dd),

2.42-0.84 (19H, m), 0.93 (1.5H. s), 0.92 (1.5H, s), 0.80 (3H, s), 0.75-0.70
(2H, m), 0.62 (1H, m), 0.34 (1H, m).
Example 68
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinylloxyimino-7α-formamidoandrostane-17-one
hydrochloride (I-cp)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7a-
formamidoandrostane-6,17-dione (II-bb, Prepn. 39, 70 mg) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 40 mg), the ti-
tle compound I-cp was obtained (73 mg. 77%), after centrifugation, as
a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.15
(2H, bb), 8.12 (1H, m), 7.98 (1H, m), 4.73 (1H, m), 4.05 (1H, m), 3.30-
3.10 (6H. m), 3.05 (0.5H. m). 2.70 (0.5H. m), 2.40-1.00 (19H. m), 0.90
(1.5H, s), 0.89 (1.5H, s), 0.79 (3H, s).
Example 69
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxycarbonvlandrostane-17-
one hydrochloride (I-cq)
Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 7a-
methoxycarbonylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bc, Prepn. 40, 60 mg) and
3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 30 mg),
the title compound I-cq was obtained (26 mg, 32 %) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, dmso-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.99 (2H, bb), 4.71 (1H,
m), 3.57 (3H, s), 3.35-3.20 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H, m), 3.05 (1H, m), 2.74 (1H,
m), 2.40-0.95 (18H, m), 0.89 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 70
(E.Z) 3-(3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxvimino)-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxy-
androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-cr)

Following the procedure described in Example 1 and starting from 6-
(E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxyandi'ostane-3,17-dione (II-bd, Prepn. 41.
83 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn.
5, 48 mg), the title compound I-cr was obtained (75 mg, 66 %) as a
white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72
(0.5H, bs), 10.63 (0.5H, bs), 9.02 (2H, bb), 5.17 (1H, d), 5.02 (1H, bs),
4.73 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H, m), 2.99 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 (
16H, m). 0.89 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s).
Example 71
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-
7.17-dione fumarate (I-cs)
Prepared in 67% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6a
hydroxymethylanclrostane-3.7, 17-trione (II-be, Prepn. 42) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-e, Prepn. 5). The crude
product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give
the title compound I-cs as white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.41 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.18 (1H, bb), 3.70-3.00
(8H, m), 2-80-1.00 (19H, m), 1.15 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s).
Example 72
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6α-hydroxyMethyl-
androstane-7.17-dione fumarate (I-ct)
Prepared in 57% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α-
hydroxymethylandrostane-3,7,17-trione (II-be, Prepn. 42) and 3-(R)-
(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-j, Prepn. 10). The
crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a

stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/EtaO, the precipitate was filtered to give
the title compound I-ct as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.56 (2H, s), 4.62 (1H, m), 4.17 (1H, bb), 3.70-3.30
(8H, m), 3.22-3.12 (1H, m), 3.06-2.92 (1H, m), 2.37 (1.5H, s), 2.35 (1.5H,
s), 2.90-1.00 (17H, m), 1.17 (1.5H, s), 1.16 (1.5H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 73
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6α-hydroxyMethyl-
androstane-7,17-dione fumarate (I-cu)
Prepared in 72% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α-
hydroxymethylandrostane-3,7,17-trione (II-be, Prepn. 42) and 3-(S)-
(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i, Prepn. 9). The
crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2.
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give
the title compound I-cu as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.55 (2H, s), 4.62 (1H, m). 4.18 (1H, bb), 3.70-3.30
(8H, m), 3.20-3.10 (1H, m), 3.05-2.95 (1H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 2.80-1.00
(17H, m), 1.16 (3H, s). 0.79 (3H. s).
Example 74
3β-(3-(R,S)-Piperidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochlride
(1-cv)
To a solution of 3p[(E,S)-(1-tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidin-3-
yl)carbonyloxy]androstane-6,17-dione (II-bf, Prepn. 43, 49 mg) in
EtOAc (0.6 mL) at 0 °C, 5 N HCl in EtOAc (0.85 mL) was added. After
stirring for 15 min at room temperature the solution was evaporated
and the residue was triturated with Et2O to give the title compound I-
cv (21 mg, 50%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.84

(1H, bb), 8.56 (1H, bb), 4.61 (1H, m), 3.50-1.20 (29H, m), 0.78 (3H, s),
0.69 (3H,s).
Example 75
3β (4-Piperidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride fl-
ew)
Prepared in 61% yield as described in Example 29 starting from 3β- (N-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione
(II-bg, Prepn. 44). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
8.90 (1H, bb), 8.80 (1H, bb), 4.62 (1H. m), 3.50-1.20 (29H. m), 0.78 (3H.
s), 0.69 (3H. s).
Example 76
3β-(3-Azetidincarbonvloxv)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride (1-cx)
Prepared in 30% yield as described in Example 29 starting from 30-(N-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione
(II-bh, Prepn. 45). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
8.95 (2H, bb), 4.64 (1H, m), 4.2-1 (25H, m), 0.78 (3H. s), 0.69 (3H. s).
Example 77
3β-(3(R,S)-Pirrolidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6.17-dione fumarate (I-
cv)
Prepared in 50% yield as described in Example 29 starting from 3β- (N-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-pirrolidin-3(R,S)-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-
dione (II-bi, Prepn. 46). The crude product was purified by flash chro-
matography (Si02, CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concen-
trated fractions, the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH
was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate
was filtered to give the title compound I-cy. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,

DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.00 (3H, bb) 6.43 (2H, s), 4.60 (1H, m),
3.30-2.90 (5H, m), 2.45-1.13 (22H, ma), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s).
Example 78
3β-(2(R.S)-Morpholinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione fumarate (I-
cz)
Prepared in 54% yield as described in Example 32 starting from 3β- (N-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)morpholin-2(R,S)-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-
dione (II-bj, Prepn. 47). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6, ppm from
TMS): δ 8.00 (3H. bb). 6.43 (2H. s). 1.63 (1H. m), 4.09 (1H. m). 3.79 (1H,
m), 3.50-2.60 (5H, m), 2.45-1.14 (20H. m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s).
Example 79
3β-(2-(R.S)-Piperazinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione dihydrochlo-
ride (I-da)
Prepared in 80% yield as described in Example 29 starting from 3β-
(N,N'-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-2(R,S)-
ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione (II-bk, Prepn. 48). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.56 (4H, bb), 4.75 (1H, m), 4.53
(1H, m), 3.70-3.10 (6H, m). 2.60-1.15 (20H, m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.71 (3H,
s).
Example 80
3α-[3-(RS)-Pyrrolidinylthiol-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one fumarate
(I-db)
To a stirred solution of 3α-mercapto-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one
(II-bl, Prepn. 49) (100 rag) in dry DMF (2 mL), NaH 60% in oil (30 rag)
was added at 0°C. After 5 min. a solution of (RS) 3-bromopyrrolidine
hydrochloride (Prepn. 64, 60 mg) in DMF (1 mL) was dropped in 30

min. at room temperature. After 2 hrs, a 5% NaH2PO4 solution was
added. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was ex-
tracted with EtOAc. The organic layers were washed with brine, dried
over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was puri-
fied by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/NH3 93/7/0.7). To
the concentrated fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in
MeOH was added. After addition of EtOAc, the precipitate was filtered
to give 0.10 g (62%) of the title compound I-db as a white solid. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.42 (2H,
s), 4.78 (1H, m), 4.73 (1H, m), 4.38 (1H, m), 3.57 (1H, m), 3.30-3.10 (6H,
m), 2.45 0.95 (20H. m), 0.76 (3H, s). 0.63 (3H, s).
Example 81
3α-[3 (RS)-Pyrrolidinylthiolandrostane-6,17-dione fumarate (I-dc)
Following the procedure described in Example 80 and starting from 3α-
mercaptoandrostane-6,17-dione (II-bm, Prepn. 50) (200 mg), 3oc-[3-
(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]androstane-6,17-dione fumarate was obtained
from the crude product by addition of fumaric acid (58 mg) and wash-
ing the precipitate with EtOAc to give 130 mg (60% yield). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.42 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.57
(1H, m). 3.30-3.10 (6H. m)r 2.45-0.95 (20H, m), 0.76 (3H. s). 0.63 (3H.
s).
Example 82
3α-[3-(RS)-Pyrrolidinylthiol-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-17-one fu-
marate (I-dd)
The title compound was prepared following the procedure described in
Example 1 and starting from 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]androstane-
6,17-dione fumarate (I-dc, Example 81, 115 mg) and hydroxylamine
hydrochloride (20 mg). The crude product was purified by flash chro-
matography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/NH3 9/1/0.1). To the concentrated

fractions the stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was
added. After addition of EtOAc. the precipitate was filtered to give the
title compound I-dd as a white solid in 65% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72 (1H, bs), 6.42 (1H, m), 4.69 (1H, m),
3.57 (1H, m), 3.30-3.10 (6H, m), 2.40-0.95 (20H, m), 0.76 (3H, s), 0.63
(3H, s).
Example 83
3α-[2-(Pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinvllandrostane-6.17-dione formate (I-
de)
A solution of 3α-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione (II-bn, Prepn. 51, 110 mg) in formic acid
(3 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. 15 mL of distilled water
were then added and the resulting mixture freeze-dried to give the title
compound I-de as a white solid, in 95% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H, bb), 5.82 (1H, t), 5.25 (1H, t),
3.55-3.05 (4H, m), 3.00-2.05 (7H, m), 2.00-1.10 (17H, m), 0.86 (3H, s),
0.78 (3H, s).
Example 84
3α-[2-(Pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6, 17-dione formate (I-
df)
The title compound was prepared in 93% yield as described in Example
83 starting from 3α-[l-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione (II-bc, Prepn. 53). 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.99 (2H. bb), 5.80 (1H, t), 5.20 (1H, t),
3.55-3.05 (4H, m), 3.00-2.05 (7H, m), 2.00-1.10 (17H, m), 0.85 (3H, s),
0.77 (3H,s).
Example 85

3α-[2-(Pyperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate (I-dg)
The title compound was prepared in 90% yield as described in Example
83 starting from 3α-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)pyperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione (Prepn. 55, II-bp). 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.98 (2H, bb), 5.74 (1H, t), 5.19 (1H, t),
4.20-3.95 (2H, m), 3.00-1.05 (28H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s).
Example 86
3α-[2-(Azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate (I-dh)
The title compound was prepared in 70% yield as described in Example
83 starting from 3α-[1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione (Prepn. 57, II-bq). 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.99 (2H. bb), 5.82 (1H, t), 5.65 (1H, t).
4.15-3.95 (2H, m), 3.65-3.45 (3H, m), 2.60-1.10 (21H, m), 0.86 (3H, s),
0.77 (3H, s).
Example 87
(Z)-3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl)oxyiminol-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7.17-
dione fumarate (I-di)
Prepared in 67% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α-
hydroxymethylandrostane-3,7,17-trione (II-be, Prepn. 42) and 3-(S)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-d, Prepn. 4). The crude
product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CHCl3/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/0.1). To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-di
in 35% yield, as white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from
TMS): δ 9.02 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.25 (1H, t), 3.55 (2H,
m), 3.32-3.10 (6H, m), 2.51 (2H, m), 2.10 (1H, m), 1.90-1.10 (16H, m),
0.95 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s).

Example 88
(E)-3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl)oxyiminol-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7,17-
dione fumarate (I-di)
The title compound was obtained from the second fractions of the col-
umn described in Example 87. To the concentrated fractions a
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. After addi-
tion of Et2O, the precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-dj
in 40% yield, as white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.42 (2H. s), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.25 (1H, t), 3.55 (2H,
m), 3.30-3.05 (6H, m). 2.51 (2H, m), 2.10 (1H, m). 1.90-1.10 (16H, m),
0.95 (3H.s). 0.80 (3H. s).
Example 89
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6α-hydroxyMethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane-17-one hydrochloride (I-dk)
Prepared as described in Example 1 and starting from 6α-
hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-br, Prepn. 59)
(280 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e,
Prepn. 5) (150 mg). After 2 hours at room temperature, NaCl was
added and stirred for 15 min. The mixture was extracted with THF (3
x) and the combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over
Na2SO4, and filtered. The solid precipitated from the filtrate was cen-
trifuged, washed with AcOEt/iPrOH 9:1, to give the title compound I-
dk in 55% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): S 8.99
(2H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.35 (1H, t), 4.26 (1H, d), 3.86 (1H, m), 3.40 (2H,
t), 3.25-3.00 (6H, m), 2.40-1.10 (19H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.84 (3H, s).
Example 90
(E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-
androstane-17-one hydrochoride (I-dl)

Prepared in 61% yield as described in Example 89 and starting from 6α-hydroxyraethyl-7α-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-br, Prepn. 59)
(280 mg) and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d,
Prepn. 4) (150 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.02 (2H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.35 (1H, t), 4.26 (1H, d),
3.86 (1H, m), 3.40 (2H, t), 3.20-3.00 (6H, m), 2.40-1.10 (19H, m), 1.01
(3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s).
Example 91
(E.Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxyMethylandrostane-17-
one hydrochloride (I-dm)
Prepared in 80% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 7a-
methoxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-bs, Prepn. 60) (200 mg) and
3-(R)-pyrrolidmyloxyamme dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5; (115 mg)
as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
9.01 (2H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.35 (3H, s), 3.28-3.00 (8H, m), 2.53-0.75
(21H, m), 1.10 (3H, s), 0.90 (3H, s).
Example 92
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxyandrostane-17-one fu-
marate (I-dn)
Prepared in 75% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 7a-
methoxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bt, Prepn. 61) (150 mg) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5) (110 mg) as a
white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.99
(2H, bb), 6.42 (2H, s), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.35 (3H, s), 3.20-3.00 (6H, m),
2.58-1.00 (21H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 93

(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6α,17β-diol hydrochlo-
ride (1-do)
Prepared in 85% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from
6α,17β-dihydroxyandrostane-3-one (prepared as described in EP
0825197 B1, 100 mg) and 3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride
(IIIl-e, Prepn. 5) (60 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO
d6. ppm from TMS): δ 9.01 (2H. bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.30-4.20 (2H, m),
3.70-3.50 (2H, m), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 2.50-1.00 (20H, m), 0.96 (3H, s),
0.78 (3H, s).
Example 94
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6β-hydroxyandrostane- 17-one hy-
drochloride (I-dp)
Prepared in 80% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 66-
hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (100 mg) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5) (60 mg) as a
white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.02
(2H, bb), 4.69 (1H, m), 4.34 (1H, d), 3.75 (1H, m), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m),
2.50-1.00 (20H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Example 95
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate (I-dq)
Prepared in 65% yield as described in Example 1 and starting from 5α-
hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27)
(100 mg) and 3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride
(III-j, Prepn. 10) (60 mg) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.71 (1H, bs), 6.41 (2H, s), 5.28 (1H, bb),
4.69 (1H, m), 3.37-3.10 (7H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 2.25-1.10 (18H, m), 0.85
(3H, s), 0.74 (3H, s).

Example 96
(Z) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-dr)
The title compound I-dr was obtained following the procedure de-
scribed in Example 1 and starting from 5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27. 3 g) and 3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-e, Prepn. 5, 1.7 g). The
crude product (a mixture 70/30 of the E/Z isomers) was purified by
flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To
the concentrated less polar fractions the stoichiometric amount of fu-
maric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/Et20. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-
dr in 32% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
10.67 (1H, s), 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 5.08 (0.5H, s), 4.95 (0.5H, s),
4.73 (1H, m), 3.51-2.90 (6H, m), 2.62-1.10 (19H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.76
(3H, s).
Example 97
(E) 3-[3-(R)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-ds)
Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 95. The stoichiometric amount
of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, followed by a 1/1 mixture of
EtOAc/Et2O. The precipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-
ds in 48 % yield as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm
from TMS): δ 10.64 (0.5H, s), 9.01 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 5.08 (0.5H: s),
4.95 (0.5H, s), 4.73 (1H, m), 3.51-2.90 (6H, m), 2.62-1.10 (19H, m), 0.82
(3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).
Example 98

(Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-dt)
To a stirred solution of (Z) 3-[(S)-3-N-(9H-fluoren-9-
ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimmo-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane-17-one (II-bu, Prepn. 62, 920 mg) in dry THF (12 mL) at 0
°C, 1M tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.7 mL) was added. Af-
ter stirring at room temperature for 3 h, the solution was concentrated
to small volume and purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the contrated fractions the
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added. The pre-
cipitate was filtered to give the title compound I-dt in 80% yield. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 6 10.72 (1H, bs), 9.02 (2H,
bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 4.85 (1H. bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15
(1H, m). 2.99 (1H. m). 2.70-1.00 (17H. m), 0.84 (3H. s). 0.78 (3H. s).
Example 99
(E) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane-17-one fumarate (I-du)
To a stirred solution of (E) 3-[(S)-3-N-(9H-fluoren-9-
ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-5u-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane-17-one (II-bv, Prepn. 62, 930 mg) in dry THF (12 mL) at 0
°C, 1M tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.7 mL) was added. Af-
ter stirring at room temperature for 3 h, the solution was concentrated
to small volume and purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). The stoichiometric amount of fu-
maric acid in MeOH was added, the precipitate was filtered to give the
title compound I-du in 80% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm
from TMS): δ 10.63 (1H, bs), 9.02 (2H, bb), 6.41 (2H, s), 4.85 (1H, bs),
4.73 (1H. bs), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m). 3.15 (1H, m), 2.99 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00
(17H, m), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).

Example 100
(E.Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-hvdroyximinoandrost-4-ene-
17-one fumarate (I-dv)
Prepared as described in Example 1 and starting from 6(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (II-bw, Prepn. 63) (160 mg)
and 3-(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4) (90
mg). The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiOs,
CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). To the concentrated fractions the
stoichiometric amount of fumaric acid in MeOH was added, the precipi-
tate was filtered to give the title compound I-dv in 70%, yield. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72 (1H, bs), 9.01 (2H, bb),
6.41 (2H, s), 6.16 (1H, bs), 3.37-3.10 (7H, m), 2.55-1.10 (16H, m), 0.95
(3H, s). 0.83 (3H. s).
Example 101
(Z) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinylloxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-17-
one (I-dw)
The title compound I-dw was obtained following the procedure de-
scribed in Example 100 and starting from 6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrost-
4-ene-3,17-dione (II-bw, Prepn. 63, 200 mg) and 3-(S)-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4) (110 mg). The
crude product (1/1 ratio of the E/Z isomers) was purified by flash chro-
matography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26% NH4OH 90/10/1). The less polar
fractions were evaporated to dryness to give the title compound I-dw
in 65% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.72
(1H, bs), 6.16 (1H, bs), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.36-3.10 (7H, m), 2.60-1.10 (16H,
m). 0.96 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s).
Example 102
(E) 3-[3-(S)-Pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-4-
ene-17-one (I-dx)

Isolated from the concentrated more polar fractions after the flash
chromatography described in Example 101, after evaporation to dry-
ness, in 55% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
10.71 (1H, bs), 6.16 (1H, bs), 4.69 (1H, m), 3.36-3.10 (7H, m), 2.55-1.10
(16H, m), 0.95 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H. s).
Preparation 1
4-Piperidyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-a)
To a solution of tert-butyl 4-hydroxy-1-piperidinecarboxylate (1.00 g),
triphenyl phosphine (2.62 g) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (1.63 g) in
THF (55 mL) at 0° C, diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (2.16 mL) was added
dropwise. After stirring for 6 hrs. the solvent was evaporated and the
crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-
hexane:EtOAc, from 8:2 to 6:4) to give of 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-
phthalimidoxypiperidine (1.48 g, 85%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS): δ 7.87 (4H, m), 4.46 (1H, m), 3.82 (2H, m), 3.23 (2H,
m), 1.98 (2H, m), 1.73 (2H, m), 1.45 (9H, s).
To a suspension of 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-4-phthalimidoxypiperidine
(430 mg) in MeOH (5 mL), hydrazine (26% in water, 0.23 mL) was
added. After stirring at room temperature for 15 min, the mixture was
filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and purified by flash
chromatography (SiO2. CH2Cl2:MeOH 9:1) to give of 1-tert-
butoxycarbonyl-4-piperidyloxyamine (120 mg, 46%). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.86 (2H, bb), 3.55 (3H, m), 3.00
(2H, m), 1.75 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s), 1.32 (2H, m).
1-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-4-piperidyloxyamine (120 mg) was dissolved in a
5M HCl solution in EtOAc (3 mL). After 1 h the solvent was removed
under reduced pressure to give the title compound III-a (100 mg, 96%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.95 (3H, bb), 8.96
(2H. bb), 4.33 (1H. m), 3.13 (2H, m), 3.00 (2H, m), 2.09 (2H, m), 1.85
(2H, m).

Preparation 2
3-Azetidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-b)
1-(Diphenylmethyl)-3-hydroxyazetidine (9.70 g) was suspended in 4.5
M HCl in EtOAc (35 mL) at room temperature and stirred for 10 min.
The solvent was then evaporated to dryness to give l-(diphenylmethyl)-
3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride (12.0 g, 100%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.30-7.70 (10H, m), 5.85 (1H, s), 5.80 (1H,
d). 4.46 (1H, m), 3.70-4.20 (4H, m).
A solution of 1-(dipheny]methyl)-3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride
(11.8 g) in absolute ethanol (700 mL) was hydrogenated at room tem-
perature over Pd(OH)2/C in a Parr shaker at 4 atm. After 12 hr the
catalyst was filtered off and the filtrate evaporated to dryness to give
3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride (4.20 g. 94%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz.
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.07 (2H, bb), 6.19 (1H, bb), 4.49 (1H, m),
3.99 (2H, m), 3.71 (2H, m).
To a solution of 3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride (2.20 g) and triethyl-
amine (4.0 mL) in MeOH (20 mL) at 0° C, di-tert-butyl dicarbonate
(3.12 g) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 6 h, the sol-
vent was evaporated. The residue was diluted with CH2Cl2, washed
with water and the organic phase was evaporated to dryness to give
tert-butyl 3-hydroxy-1-azetidinecarboxylate (3.22 g, 93%) which was
used without purification in the next step.1H -NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.62 (1H, d), 4.35 (1H, m), 3.96 (2H, m), 3.55 (2H,
m), 1.35 (9H, s).
To a solution of tert-butyl 3-hydroxy-1-azetidinecarboxylate (2.28 g),
triphenyl phosphine (6.80 g) and N-hydroxyphthalimide (4.24 g) in
THF (162 mL) at 0 oC, 1,1'-(azodicarbonyl) dipiperidine (7.21 g) was
added. After stirring at room temperature for 27 h, the solvent was
evaporated and the crude product purified by flash chromatography
(SiO2, n-hexane:EtOAc 6:4) to give 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-

phthalimidoxyazetidine (2.10 g, 50%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS): δ 7.86 (4H, m), 4.98 (1H, m), 4.12 (2H, m). 3.95 (2H,
m), 1.38 (9H, s).
tert-Butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxyazetidine (1.00 g) was dissolved in
5M EtOAc (10 mL). After 5 hrs, the mixture was filtered and 3-
phtathalimidoxyazetidine hydrochloride was obtained after evapora-
tion of the filtrate (0.90 g, 100%) and used without purification in the
next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.28 (2H,
bb), 7.88 (4H, m), 5.09 (1H, m), 4.28 (2H, m), 4.13 (2H, m).
To a solution of 3-phtathalimidoxyazetidine hydrochloride (0.90 g) in
MeOH (20 mL), hydrazine hydrate (0.15 mL) was added. After 6 hr,
water was added, the solvent concentrated and 1N HCl (10 mL) was
added. After 30 min the white solid was filtered and the filtrate was
freeze-dried to give the title compound III-b (500 mg. 100%). lH NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.00 (3H, bb), 9.58 (1H, bb),
9.32 (1H, bb), 5.06 (1H, m), 4.18 (2H, m), 4.01 (2H, m).
Preparation 3
3(RS)-Pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-c)
Following the procedure described described in Prepn. 2 and starting
from (RS) 3-hydroxypyrrolidine (2.15 g), (RS) 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-
pyrrolidinol was obtained (4.10 g, 89%) and used without purification
in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.98
(1H, d), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.30-3.00 (4H, m), 1.90-1.60 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s).
Following the procedure described described in Prepn. 2 and starting
from (RS) l-tert-butoxycarbonylpyrrolidin-3-ol (4.10 g), (RS) 1-tert-
butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxypyrrolidine was obtained, after purifi-
cation by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:n-hexane:acetone 5:4:1)
(3.10 g, 40%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.86
(4H, m), 4.88 (1H, m), 3.65-3.35 (4H, m), 2.20-1.90 (2H, m), 1.41 (9H, s).

Following the procedure described described in Prepn. 1 and starting
from (RS) 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxypyrrolidine (1.08 g),
(RS) 1-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine hydrochloride was
obtained as a yellow oil (480 mg, 74%), after purification by flash
chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2tOAc 8:2). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6. ppm from TMS): δ 6.00 (2H, bb), 4.08 (1H, m), 3.45-3.05 (4H, m),
2.00-1.70 (2H, m), 1.38 (9H, s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (RS)
l-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine hydrochloride (480 mg),
(RS) 3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-c) was obtained (294
mg. 75%) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 11.01 (3H, bb), 9.62 (1H, bb), 9.46 (1H, bb), 4.94 (1H, m), 3.50-
3.05 (4H, m), 2.35-2.00 (2H. m).
Preparation 4
3(S)-Pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (R)-3-
pyrrolidinol, (R)-N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinol was obtained and
used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.98 (1H, d), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.30-3.00 (4H, m).
1.90-1.60 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (R)-
N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinol (4.00 g), (S) 1-tert-
butoxycarbonyl-3-O-phthalimidoxypyrrolidine was obtained (2.50 g,
35%). after flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:n-hexane:acetone
5:4:1), 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.86 (10H, m),
4.88 (1H, m), 3.65-3.35 (4H, m), 2.22-1.88 (2H, m), 1.41 (9H, s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S) 1-
tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxyrrolidine (2.50 g) (S) 1-tert-
butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine was obtained (1.49 g, 98%) as a

green oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.87 (1H,
d), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.30-3.00 (4H, m), 1.90-1.60 (2H, m), 1.37 (9H, s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S) 1-
tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinyloxyamine (1.67 g), (S) 3-
pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride was obtained (1.04 g, 73%) as an
off-white solid. 1H-NMH (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.09
(3H, bb), 9.64 (1H, bb), 9.47 (1H, bb), 4.95 (1H, m), 3.55-3.00 (4H, m),
2.35-1.95 (2H, m).
Preparation 5
3(R)-Pyrrolidinyloxvamine dihydrochloride (III-e)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (S)-3-
hydroxypyrrolidine hydrochloride (15.0 g), N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-(S)-
pyrrolidinol (21.4 g, 95% yield) was obtained and used without purifi-
cation in the next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.87 (1H, d), 4.19 (1H, m), 3.30-3.00 (4H, m), 1.90-1.60 (2H, m), 1.37
(9H, s).
To a solution of N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-(S)-pyrrolidinol (10.0 g) and
triethylamine (8.2 mL) in CH2Cl2 (150 mL) at 0° C, methanesulfonyl
chloride (4.34 mL) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 3
h, the reaction mixture was poured into ice/water and extracted with
CH2Cl2. The organic phase was washed with 5% aqueous NaHCO3, wa-
ter, brine, dried and evaporated to dryness to give an oil which solidi-
fied after standing overnight in the refrigerator. The solid was tritu-
rated with Et2O to give N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-(S)-3-pyrrolidinyl
methansulfonate (13.0 g, 92%) as a light yellow solid. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.23 (1H, m), 3.60-3.10 (4H, m),
3.23 (3H, s), 2.11 (2H, m), 1.39 (9H, s).
To a suspension of KOH powder (4.86 g) in DMSO (250 mL) under vig-
orous stirring, benzophenone oxime (7.86 g) was added. After stirring

at room temperature for 30 min, a solution of N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-
(S)-3-pyrrolidinyl methansulfonate (10 g) in DMSO (70 mL) was added.
After 18 h at room temperature the reaction was poured into iced wa-
ter (900 mL) and extracted with Et2O. The combined organic layers
were washed with water, brine, dried and the solvent evaporated. Ben-
zophenone O-[(R)-3-pyrrolidinyl]oxime was obtained (13.0 g, 96%) as a
white solid and used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.50-7.20 (10H, m), 4.84 (1H,
m), 3.50-3.00 (4H, m), 2.01 (2H, m), 1.38 (9H, s).
Benzophenone 0-[(R)-3-pyrrolidinyl]oxime (13.0 g) was suspended in
6N HCl (250 mL) and the mixture was refluxed for 2 h. After cooling,
the reaction was extracted with Et2O. The aqueous layer was evapo-
rated to give a crude brown solid which was treated with 0.34 g of acti-
vated carbon in absolute EtOH (255 mL) at reflux for 2 h. The solid ob-
tained after evaporation was crystallized with 96% EtOH (40 mL) to
give the title compound III-e (2.98 g, 72%), as an off white solid. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.22 (3H, bb), 9.74 (1H,
bb), 9.54 (1H, bb), 4.98 (1H, m), 3.60-3.00 (4H, m), 2.40-2.00 (2H, m).
Preparation 6
2(R)-Pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine dihvdrochloride (III-f)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R)-1-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (1.50 g), (R)-1-(tert-
butoxycarbonyl)-2-(phthalimidoxymethyl)pyrrolidine was obtained
(1.70 g. 66%) after purification by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CH2Cl2:n-hexane:acetone 50:45:5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.87 (4H, m), 4.34 (1H, m), 4.20-3.95 (2H, m), 3.32 (2H,
m), 2.35-1.80 (4H, m), 1.37 (9H. s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R)-1-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-(phthalimidoxymethyl)pyrrolidine (1.21 g), (R)-
l-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine was obtained

(0.76 g. 100%) from the residue of the evaporation by washing with
EtOAc and filtration and used without purification. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.01 (2H, bb), 4.00-3.00 (5H, m),
1.77 (4H, m), 1.38 (9H, s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R)-1-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine (0.76 g), (R)-2-
pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine dihydrochloride (IIIl-f) was obtained from
the crude by washing with EtOH and filtering (0.60 g, 90%). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.07 (3H, bb), 9.84 (2H, bb),
4.26 (2H. m). 3.79 (1H. m). 3.14 (2H. m), 2.15-1.50 (4H. m).
Preparation 7
2(S)-Pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine dihydrochloride (III-g)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S)-1-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (1.50 g), (S)-1-(tert-
butoxycarbonyl)-2-(phthalimidoxymethyl)pyrrolidine was obtained
(1.70 g, 66%) after purification by flash chromatography (SiO2,
CH2Cl2:n-hexane:acetone 50:45:5). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.86 (4H, m), 4.25-3.80 (3H, m), 3.21 (2H, m), 2.20-1.70
(4H, m), i.30(9H. s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S)-1-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-(phthalimidoxymethyl)pyrrolidine (1.46 g), (S)-
l-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinylmethoxy-amine was obtained
(0.73 g, 80%) from the residue of the evaporation by washing with
EtOAc and filtration and used without purification 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 6.02 (2H, bb), 3.86 (1H, m), 3.60-3.30 (2H,
m), 3.18 (2H, m), 1.76 (4H, m), 1.38 (9H, s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (S)-1-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine (730 mg), (S)-2-
pyrrolidinylmethoxyamine dihydrochloride (III-g) was obtained from

the crude by washing with EtOH. (600 mg, 90%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.12 (3H, bb), 9.83 (2H, bb), 4.26 (2H,
m), 3.79 (1H, m), 3.14 (2H, m), 2.10-1.50 (4H, m).
Preparation 8
3(RS)-Piperidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-h)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 2 and starting from (R.S)
3-hydroxypiperidine hydrochloride (1.00 g), (R,S) tert-butyl 3-hydroxy-
1-piperidinecarboxylate was obtained (1.50 g. 75%) as a white solid. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6 ppm from TMS): δ 4.82 (111. d). 3.72 (1H.
m), 3.60 (1H, m), 3.34 (1H, m), 2.76 (1H, m), 2.60 (1H, m). 1.85-1.20
(4H, m), 1.37 (9H, s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R.S)
tert-butyl 3-hydroxy-1-piperidinecarboxylate (1.00 g), (R,S) tert-
butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxypiperidine was obtained (1.00 g, 70%),
after purification by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2:n
hexane:acetone 3:6:1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.87 (4H, m), 4.20 (1H, m), 3.80-3.00 (4H, m). 2.00-1.30 (4H, m), 1.35
(9H, s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from (R,S)
tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-phthalimidoxypiperidine (600 mg), 1-tert-
butoxycarbonyl-3-(R,S)-piperidinyloxyamine was obtained (335 mg,
90%) as an oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.87
(2H, bb), 4.35 (1H, m), 3.60-3.10 (4H. m), 1.90-1.20 (4H, m), 1.37 (9H,
s).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 1 and starting from 1-
tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-(R,S) piperidinyloxyamine (200 mg) and 2N HCl in Et20 (1.5 mL), 3-(R,S)-piperidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-h)
was obtained (138 mg, 100%) as an off white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,

DMSO-d6 ppm from TMS): δ 11.07 (3H, bb), 9.55 (1H, bb), 8.83 (1H,
bb), 4.45 (1H, m), 3.31 (2H, m), 2.96 (2H, m), 2.00-1.50 (4H, m).
Preparation 9
3-(S)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyloxvamine dihydrochloride (III-i)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from 3-(R)-
(1-methyl)pyrrolidinol (3.2 g), 3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl methansul-
fonate was obtained (5.0 g, 73 %) as a light yellow solid. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 5.18-5.08 (1H, m), 3.15 (3H, s), 2.80-
2.55 (3H, ml, 2.35-2.15 (5H. m). 1.95-1.80 (1H. m).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from ben-
zophenone oxime (5.9 g) and 3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl methansul-
lonate (5.0 g) benzophenone 0-[3-(S)-(1-Mthyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxime was
obtained (7.8 g, quantitative yield) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.50-7.20 (10H, m), 4.87 (1H. m), 2.80
2.60 (3H, m), 2.40-2.15 (5H, m), 1.95-1.80 (1H, m).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from ben-
zophenone 0-[3-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxime (7.8 g), the title com-
pound III-i was obtained (3.8 g, 70%), as an off white solid. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.50-10.50 (4H, bb), 5.00-4.85
(1H, bb), 3.60-3.00 (7H, m), 2.40-2.00 (2H, m).
Preparation 10
3-(R)-(1-Methyl)pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-i)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from 3-(S)-
(1-methyl)pyrrolidinol (3.2 g), 3-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl methansul-
fonate was obtained (5.0 g, 73%) and used without purification in the
next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.18-5.08

(1H, m), 3.15 (3H, s), 2.80-2.55 (3H, m), 2.35-2.15 (5H, m), 1.95-1.80
(1H, m).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from 3-(S)-
(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl methansulfonate (5.0 g), benzophenone 0-[3-(R)-
(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxime was obtained (7.8 g, quantitative yield) as
a white solid and used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.50-7.20 (10H, m), 4.87 (1H,
m), 2.80-2.60 (3H, m), 2.40-2.15 (5H, m), 1.95-1.80 (1H, m).
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 5 and starting from ben-
zophenone O-[3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxime (7.8 g), the title com-
pound III-j was obtained (4.0 g, 74%) as a white solid. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.50-10.50 (4H, bb), 5.00-4.85 (1H,
bb), 3.60-3.00 (7H, m). 2.40-2.00 (2H, m).
Preparation 11
5α-hydroxyandrostane-3.17-dione (II-aa)
To a stirred solution of 3β- hydroxyandrost-4-en-17-one (0.81g) in
CH2Cl2 (7.4 mL) cooled at 0 °C, a solution of mCPBA (0.77 mg) in
CH2Cl2 (13.6 mL) was added dropwise. After 0.5 h at 0 °C and 0.5 h at
room temperature, a 10% aqueous solution of Na2SO3 was added. The
mixture was neutralized by addition of 5% NaHCO3 solution and ex-
tracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic extracts were
washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dryness. The
residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-
hexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 60/20/20) to give 3β- hydroxy-5α,6α-
epoxyandrostane-17-one (0.64 g. 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.62 (1H, d), 3.52 (1H, m), 2.87 (1H, d), 2.44-0.56
(19H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.72 (3H, s).
To a stirred suspension of LiAlH4 (0.247mg) in THF under N2 (10.5
mL), a solution of 3β- hydroxy-5α,6α-epoxyandrostane-17-one (0.64 g) in

THF (20 mL) was added drop wise and the mixture was stirred at re-
flux for 8 h. The suspension was cooled with an ice bath and then
quenched by careful addition of H2O (1 mL) and 4N NaOH (0.20 mL).
The mixture was filtered through a Celite pad and the filter cake was
washed with THF (3 x 10 mL). The filtrate was dried over Na2SO4,
evaporated to dryness and the residue was purified by flash chroma-
tography (SiO2, n-hexane/ CH2Cl2/acetone 40/30/30) to give androstane-
3β,5α,17β-triol (0.48 g, 74%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.37 (1H, d), 4.19 (1H, d), 3.78 (1H, m), 3.62 (1H, s), 3.39 (1H,
m), 1.87-0.80 (21H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.59 (3H, s).
A solution of androstane-3β,5α, 17β-triol (0.48g) and IBX (0.72 g) in
DMSO (8 mL) was stirred at -15 °C overnight and then quenched at
room temperature by addition of H2O (40 mL). After stirring for 15
min. the mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with EtOAc.
The layers were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with
EtOAc (3 x 40 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 60/20/20) to give the
title compound II-aa (0.36 g, 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.48 (1H, s), 2.72 (1H, d), 2.60-1.18 (20H, m), 1.23
(3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s).
Preparation 12
3,17-Dioxoandrostane-6α-yl nitrate (II-ab)
To a solution of acetic anhydride (2.53 mL) and 65% HNO3 (0.592 mL)
cooled at 0 °C, 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6α-ol ( 2.5 g) was
added in one portion. After 2 h the mixture was quenched by careful
addition of ice and 5% aqueous NaHCO3 solution and was extracted
with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dryness to give 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6α-yl nitrate as a white solid (2.50 g,

89%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.94 (1H, m),
3.94-3.75 (8H, m), 2.24-0.74 (20H, m), 0.98 (3H, s), 0.85 (3H, s).
A solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6α-yl nitrate (2.50
g) and pTSA . H2O (6.05 g) in acetone (150 mL) was stirred at room
temperature for 1.5 h. The solution was neutralized by addition of 5%
aqueous NaHCO3, and acetone was evaporated. The aqueous phase
was extracted with CH2O2 (3 x 50 mL). The combined organic extracts
were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness.
The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohex-
ane/Acetone/CH2Cl2 70/15/15) to give the title compound II-ab as a
white solid (1.66 g. 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6. ppm from
TMS): 5 5.09 (1H, ddd), 2.60-0.95 (17H, m), 1.25 (3H, s), 0.90 (3H, s).
Preparation 13
6-Methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac)
To a stirred suspension of methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (9.50
g) in dry THF (77 mL) cooled at 0 °C under N2. potassium tert-butoxide
(2.91 g) was added. After stirring for 10 min, a solution of 3,3:17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6-one (2.60 g) in dry THF (77mL) was
added dropwise at room temperature over 0.5 h. After 0.5 h at room
temperature, the mixture was quenched by addition of 5% NaH2PO4
aqueous solution and extracted with Et2O (2 x 60mL). The combined
organic extracts were washed with 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution,
brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was
purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/EtOAc 85/15) to
give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-methyleneandrostane (2.66 g, 97 %).
1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.68 (HI, m), 4.36
(1H, m), 3.88-3.71 (8H, m), 2.27-0.78 (20H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.62 (3H,
s).
A solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-methyleneandrostane (1.05
g) and pTSA • H2O (2.46 g) in acetone (105 mL) was stirred at room

temperature for 3 h. The solution was neutralized by addition of 5%
aqueous NaHCO3 and acetone was evaporated. The aqueous suspen-
sion was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined organic extracts
were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness
to give the title compound II-ac in 87% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace-
tone-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 4.85 (1H, m), 4.50 (1H, m), 2.63-1.02 (20H,
m), 0.92 (3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s).
Preparation 14
6α-Hydroxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ad)
To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) 6-
methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 13, 2.89 g) in dry THF (29 mL) at 0 °C
under N2, 1M BH3THF complex in THF (5.21 mL) was added. After
completing the addition, the mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 3 h. H2O
(2.3 mL) was cautiously added dropwise followed by 3N NaOH (3 mL)
and 9.8 M H2O2 (0.91 mL). After stirring at room temperature over-
night, H2O (20 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with
EtOAc (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with
brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The resi-
due was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc
45/55) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6β-hydroxymethylandrostane
(2.86 g, 95%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 3.94-
3.75 (8H, m), 3.52 (2H, m), 3.36 (1H, t), 2.05-0.65 (21H, m), 0.84 (3H, s),
0.81 (3H, s).
To a solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6β-hydroxymethyl-
androstane (0.63 g) in DMSO (6 mL), IBX (0.87 g) was added and
stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The mixture was quenched by ad-
dition of H2O (30 mL) and Et2O (30 mL). After stirring for 15 min, the
mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with Et2O. The layers
were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et2O (3 x).
The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash

chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 75/35) to give 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6β-formylandrostane (0.52 g, 83%). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.92 (1H, d), 3.96-3.75 (8H, m),
2.32-0.68 (21H, m), 0.81 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s),
A mixture of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6β-formylandrostane (0.61 g),
K2CO3 (0.90 g) in MeOH (57 mL) was stirred overnight at room tem-
perature.After evaporation, the residue was treated with H2O (20 mL)
and extracted with EtOAc (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic extracts
were washed with brine (3 x 20 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated
to dryness to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formylandrostane
(0.57 g. 94%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. acetone-d6. ppm from TMS): 5 9.41
(1H, d), 3.95-3.72 (8H, m). 2.24-0.73 (21H, m), 0.90 (3H, s), 0.84 (3H, s).
To a stirred suspension of 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formyl-
undrostane (0.52 g) in dioxane/H2O 9/1 (25 mL), NaBH4 (0.049 g) was
added and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. To
the solution NaCl was added and the layers were separated. The aque-
ous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3 x). The combined organic ex-
tracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to
dryness to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethyl-
androstane (0.45 g, 86%) 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from
TMS): δ 3.94-3.75 (8H. m).3.57-3.25 (3H, m). 1.98-0.60 (21H. m), 0.86
(3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s).
The title compound II-ad was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-de,
ppm from TMS): 5 3.50 (3H, m), 2.52-0.74 (21H, m), 1.11 (3H, s), 0.88
(3H, s).
Preparation 15
6α-Methoxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ae)

To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-
hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 14, 0.80 g) in dry THF (11 mL) at 0
°C, under N2, NaH (60% dispersion, 96 mg) was added. After stirring
the mixture at 0 °C for 1 h, CH3I (144 µL) was added. After stirring
overnight at room temperature, H2O (10 mL) was added and the mix-
ture extracted with EtOAc (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic extracts
were dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The resi-
due was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/acetone
90/10) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-methoxymethylandrostane
(0.70 g? 84%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.92-
3.70 (8H, m). 3.25 (1H. dd), 3.23 (3H, s). 3.14 (1H, dd), 1.97-0.59 (21H.
m). 0.85 (3H. s), 0.82 (3H. s).
The title compound II-ae was prepared in 88% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-methoxymethylandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.25 (3H, s), 3.24 (2H, m), 2.53-
0.75 (21H, m), 1.11 (3H, s), 0.87 (3H, 3).
Preparation 16
6α-Carbamoylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-af)
6α-Formylandrostane-3,17-dione was prepared in 85% yield from
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-fornrylandrostane (Prepn. 14) by the
procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methylene-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic ex-
tracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to
dryness to give 6α-formylandrostane-3,17-dione. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.50 (1H, d), 2.56-0.82 (21H, m), 1.16
(3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s).

To a stirred suspension of 6α-formylandrostane-3,17-dione (1.77 g) in t-
ButOH (35 mL) and 5% aqueous Na2HPO4 solution (21.5 mL), 1N
aqueous KMnO4 (35 mL) was added. After 5 minutes at room tempera-
ture, the mixture was quenched by addition of 40% aqueous NaHSO3
solution. The suspension was filtered, washed with H2O and the fII-
trate was freeze-dried. The residue was taken up with H2O (50 mL)
and extracted with EtOAc (4 x70 mL). The combined organic extracts
were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 6α-
carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (1.80 g, 96%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace-
tone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.99 (1H, bb), 2.46-0.73 (21H. m), 1.01 (3H,
s),0.79(3H. s).
To a stirred suspension of 6α-carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (1.20 g) in
dry toluene (12 mL), SOCl2 (1.2 mL) was added. After stirring 5.5 h at
85 °C the solution was cooled at 0 °C and 2M NH3 solution in THF (6
mL) was added. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the mix-
ture was evaporated to dryness. The residue was treated with CH2Cl2
and H2O and extracted with CH2Cl2. The combined organic extracts
were washed with 10% K2CO3 solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4 and
evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatogra-
phy (Si02, n-hexane/acetone 50/50) to give the title compound H-af
(720 mg, 60%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.27
(1H, bs), 6.78 (1H, bs), 2.50-0.72 (21H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s).
Preparation 17
6α-Methoxycarbonylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ag)
To a stirred solution of 6α-carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (Prepn. 16,
680 mg) in CH2Cl2 (30 mL) at 0 °C, MeOH (160 µL), DMAP (20 mg) and
EDAC (800 mg) were added. After stirring overnight at room tempera-
ture, H2O was added and the mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x).
The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, brine, dried
over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was puri-
fied by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40) to give the

title compound II-ag (500 mg, 70 %). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS): δ 3.59 (3H, s), 2.53-0.75 (21H. m), 1.02 (3H, s), 0.79
(3H, s).
Preparation 18
6-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ah)
To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6-one
(1.10 g) in THF (22 mL) a solution of NH2OH HCl (0.33 g),
Na2HPO4-12H2O (1.71 g) in H2O (7.2 mL) was added. After stirring
overnight at room temperature. NaCl was added and the mixture was
extracted with EtOAc (2 x). The combined organic extracts were
washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dry-
ness to give 3,3:17.17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane
(1.08 g. 93%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 10.34
(1H, s), 3.88-3.71 (8H, m). 3.16 (1H, dd), 2.22-0.86 (19H, m), 0.74 (3H,
s), 0.64 (3H, s).
The title compound II-ah was prepared in 70% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by
flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/acetone 70/30). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.61 (1H, s), 3.29 (1H, dd), 2.61-
1.03 (19H, m), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s).
Preparation 19
6α-Methylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ai)
To a stirred solution of DABCO (0.55 g) and 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylen-
dioxy)-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 14, 1.00 g) in dry CH2Cl2
(20 mL), under N2 at 0 °C, p-TSCl (0.703 g) was added. After stirring 2

h at room temperature, the mixture was filtered and the cake was
washed with CH2Cl2. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried
over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The crude product
was triturated with n-hexane/EtOAc (60/40) and filtered. After drying
under vacuum at 40 °C, 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-[4-methyl(ben-
zenesulfonyloxy)methyl]androstane (1.11 g, 80%) was obtained. 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 7.82 (2H, m), 7.49 (2H,
m), 4.00-3.74 (10H, m), 2.46 (3H, s), 1.97-0.57 (21H, m), 0.82 (3H, s),
0.80 (3H, s).
To a stirred solution of NaBH4 (0.15 g) in dry DMSO (90 mL), under
N2, 3.3:17.17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α- [4-methyl(benzenesulfonyloxy)
methyl]androstane (1.11 g) was added in portions over 15 min. After
stirring for 3 h at 80 °C, the mixture was quenched at room tempera-
ture by careful addition of H2O (200 mL). The suspension was ex-
tracted with Et2O. The combined organic extracts were washed with
brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The mixture was
purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 90/10) to give
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-methylandrostane (0.70 g, 90%). 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.94-3.72 (8H, m), 1.98-
0.53 (21H, m), 0.85 (3H, a), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, d).
The title compound II-ai was prepared in 94% yield from 3.3:17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-methylandrostane by the procedure described
above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac,
Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O,
dried and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.77-0.75 (21H, m), 1.18 (3H, s), 0.98 (3H, d), 0.90 (3H, s).
Preparation 20
6α-Formamidoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ai)
To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-
androstane (Prepn. 18, 0.88 g) in n-PrOH (26 mL), Na (2.0 g) was

added in small pieces over 20 min. The mixture was stirred at reflux
for 2 h. After cooling to room temperature, the mixture was quenched
by careful addition of MeOH. To the solution H2O was added carefully
and the organic solvent was evaporated. The mixture was extracted
with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with
brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The mix-
ture was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CHCl3/MeOH/26%
NH4OH 90/10/1) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-amino-
androstane (0.45 g, 53%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6;, ppm from TMS): δ 3.87-3.70 (8H, m), 2.29 (1H, m), 1.98-0.50 (22H, m), 0.75 (3H,
s), 0.74 (3H,s)
A 2 M solution of formic acid in CHCl3 (0.67 mL) was added dropwise
to a solution of DCC (106 mg) in CHCl3 at 0 °C. The mixture was
stirred for further 5 min and then added to an ice-cooled solution of
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-aminoandrostane (100 mg) in pyridine
(0.70 mL) over 30 min. The mixture was then stirred in an ice bath for
4 h. Evaporation of the solvent was followed by addition of Et20. The
precipitate was removed by filtration and washed with Et20. The com-
bined organic extracts were evaporated to dryness to give 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formamidoandrostane (100 mg, 95%). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): S 7.98-7.43 (2H, m). 3.89-3.00
(9H. m), 1.93-0.50 (20H, m), 0.81 (3H, 3), 0.77 (3H, s).
The title compound II-aj was prepared in 96% Weld from 3,3:17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formamidoandrostane by the procedure described
above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac,
Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O,
dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.02-7.56 (2H, m), 3.74 (1H, m), 2.54-0.70
(20H, m), 1.04 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s).
Preparation 21
6-Difluoromethyleneandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ak)

To a stirred solution of diethyl difluoromethylenephosphonate (0.67µL)
in DME (5.75 mL) in n-pentane (1.1 mL) at -78 °C. 1.5 M pentane solu-
tion of tert-butyllithium (2.75 mL) was added dropwise under argon.
After 15 min at the same temperature, a solution of 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-6-one (0.50 g) in DME (4.5 mL) and n-
pentane (1.25 mL) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at -78
°C for further 30 min and warmed up to room temperature. n-Pentane
was distilled off and after heating at 80 °C for 4 h the mixture was
quenched with H2O and extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x). The combined or-
ganic extracts were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The
residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/Et2O
70/30) to give 3,3:17.17-bis(ethylendioxy)-(3-difluromethylene-
androstane (0.47g, 85%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.85 (8H, m), 2.52-0.80 (20H, m), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.84 (3H, s).
The title compound II-ak was prepared in 99'.. yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-difluoromethyleneandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.85-0.95 (20H, m), 1.12 (3H, s).
0.88 (3H, s).
Preparation 22
6-(Spirocvclopropane)androstane-3.17-dione (II-al)
To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-methylene-
androstane (Prepn. 13, 200 mg) in dry toluene (10 mL) under N2, 1 M
Et2Zn in n-hexane (2.5 mL) was added. After heating at 60 °C, CH2l2
(0.42 mL) was added in portions over 15 min. After 26 h the mixture
was cooled and quenched by careful addition of 1N HCl. The suspen-
sion was extracted with Et2O. The combined organic extracts were
washed with 5% aqueous NaHCO3 solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4
and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was dissolved in acetone

(20 raL) and pTSA H2O (39 mg) was added and the solution stirred at
room temperature for 1 h. The solution was neutralized by addition of
5% aqueous NaHCO3 and acetone was evaporated. The aqueous sus-
pension was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts
were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness.
The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-
hexane/CH2Cl2/EtOAc 90/5/5) to give the title compound II-al (78 mg,
48%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS: δ 2.51-0.83 (20H,
m), 1.17 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.60 (1H, m), 0.41 (1H, m), 0.34 (1H, m), -
0.08 (1H, m).
Preparation 23
6α-Ethynylandrostane-3.17-dione (Ham)
To a stirred solution of (chloromethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride
(1.20 g) in dry THF (20 mL) at -78 °C under argon, 1.6 M n-
butyllithium in n-hexane (1.5 mL) was added dropwise. After 30 min at
room temperature, a solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-
formylandrostane (Prepn. 14, 0.28 g) in dry THF (7 mL) was added
dropwise. The mixture was heated at 70 °C for 1 h and then cooled to
room temperature. The mixture was quenched by addition of brine and
extracted with EtOAc (3 x). The combined organic extracts were dried
over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was dis-
solved in dry THF (20 mL) and stirred at -78 °C. To the resulting solu-
tion 1.6 M n-butyllithium in n-hexane (2.24 mL) under argon was
added dropwise. After 1 h at room temperature the mixture was
quenched by addition of brine and extracted with Et2O (3 x). The com-
bined organic extracts were dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to dry-
ness to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-ethynylandrostane (160 mg,
46%), sufficiently pure to be used in the next step without further puri-
fication. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 3.85 (8H,
m), 2.46 (1H, d), 2.30-0.67 (21H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s).

The title compound II-am was prepared in 46% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-ethynylandrostane by the procedure described for
the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn.
13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 80/10/10). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.69-0.78 (22H, m), 1.12 (3H,
s), 0.87 (3H, s).
Preparation 24
6α-(2-Hydroxyethyl)androstane-3,17-dione (II-an)
3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-vinylandrostane was prepared in 70%
yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethyIendioxy)-6α-formylandrostane (Prepn.
14) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 13). The crude was
purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane/ EtOAc 88/12). 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.47 (1H, m). 4.91 (2H,
m), 3.94-3.73 (8H, m), 2.00-0.67 (21H, m), 0.88 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s).
3.3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-(2-hydroxyethyl)anclrostane was pre-
pared in 96% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-vinylandrostane
by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethyl-androstane (Prepn. 14). The
crude was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane/acetone
80/20). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.25 (1H, t),
3.86-3.70 (8H, m), 3.35 (2H, m), 1.91-0.42 (23H, m), 0.75 (3H, s), 0.74
(3H, s).
The title compound II-an was prepared in 100% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)- 6α -(2-hydroxyethyl)androstane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione

(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried over Na2SO4 nd evaporated to dryness. 1H-MR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.32 (1H, t), 3.39 (2H, m), 2.46-0.54
(23H, m), 0.98 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s).
Preparation 25
6-(E)-Methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ao)
3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane was pre-
pared in 90% yield from 3,3:17,7-bis(ethylendioxy)androstan-6-one
(1.00 g) by the procedure described above for the preparation of
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 18).
The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over
Na2O4 filtered and evaporated to dryness to give 3,3:17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane (1.04 g, 97%). 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.94-3.76 (8H, m), 3.73
(3H, s). 3.22 (1H, dd), 2.29-0.95 (19H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s).
The title compound II-ao was prepared in 70% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3.17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.78 (3H, s), 3.37 (1H, dd), 2.68-
1.14 (19H, m), 1.01 (3H, s), 0.98 (3H, s).
Preparation 26
5α-Hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ap)
To a stirred solution of 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (0.81 g) in
CH2Cl2 (7.4 mL) cooled at 0 °C, a solution of mCPBA (0.77 mg) in
CH2CI2 (14 mL) was added drop wise. After 0.5 h at 0 °C and 0.5 h at
room temperature, a 10% Na2SO3 aqueous solution was added. The

mixture was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous NaHCO3 solution
and extracted with CH3Cl3 (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic ex-
tracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated to
dryness to give 5α,6α-epoxyandrostan-17-one and 5β,6β-
epoxyandrostan-17-one as a white foam (1/1 mixture; 1.24 g, 97%). 1H
NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): 3β-hydroxy-5α,6α-
epoxyandrostan-17-one 5 3.26 (1H, d), 2.96 (1H, d), 2.70-1.12 (18H, m),
1.36 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s); 3β-hydroxy-5β,6β-epoxyandrostan-17-one: 5
2.98 (1H, d), 2.93 (1H, d), 2.71-1.13 (18H, m), 1.06 (3H, s), 0.84 (3H, s).
To a solution of a 1/1 mixture of 3β-hydroxy-5α,6α-epoxyandrostane-17-
one and 3β-hydroxy-5β,6β-epoxyandrostan-17-one (2.10 g, 6.90 mmol)
in acetone (38 mL), Jones reagent (8.35 mL) was added dropwise,
maintaining the temperature below 40 °C. 5 min after completion of
the addition, i-PrOH (10 mL) was added and, after further 10 min, the
suspension was filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The
residue was treated with H2O (300 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3
x100 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O (100
mL), 5% aqueous NaHCO3 solution (100 mL), H2O (100 mL), dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 5α-hydroxyandrostane-
3,6,17 trione as a white solid (1.65 g, 75%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace-
tone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.00 (1H, s), 2.85 (2H, m), 2.45-1.25 (17H,
m), 1.06 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H, s).
A solution of 5α-hydroxyandrostane-3,6.17-trione (2.23 g) and pTSA
H2O (80 mg) in 2-methyl-2-ethyl-1,3-dioxolane (29 mL) was stirred at
40 °C for 6 h. The solution was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous
Na2HPO4 and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts
were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness.
The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, cyclohex-
ane/acetone/CH2Cl2 80/10/10) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-
hydroxyandrostane 6-one (1.56 g, 55%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6,
ppm from TMS: δ 4.36 (lH, s), 4.07-3.74 (8H, m), 2.64 (1H. m), 2.10-
1.17 (18H, m), 0.82 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).

To a stirred suspension of methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (14.1
g) in dry THF (240 mL) cooled at 0 °C under N2, potassium tert-
butoxide (4.31 g) was added. After stirring for 10 min, a solution of
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxyandrostane-6-one (4.00 g) in dry
THF (77mL) was added dropwise at room temperature over 0.5 h. Af-
ter 2 h at room temperature, the mixture was quenched by addition of
5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution and extracted with EtOAc (2 x 100 mL).
The combined organic extracts were washed with 5% NaH2PO4 aque-
ous solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The
residue was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane
/CH2Cl2/acetone 80/10/10) to give 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-5α-
hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostune (2.40 g,. 60 V). 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.71 (1H, bs), 4.51 (1H, bs), 4.12 (1H, s),
3.95-3.65 (8H, m), 2.10-1.10 (18H, m), 0.72 (3H, s), 0.70 (3H, s).
The title compound II-ap was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane by the procedure
described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-
dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed
with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue
was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, n-hexane/AcOEt 60/40).
1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 4.91 (1H, s), 4.81
(1H, bs), 4.58 (1H. bs). 2.82 (1H, d), 2.42-1.10 (17H, m), 0.94 (3H, s),
0.77 (3H, s).
Preparation 27
5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-aq)
3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane
was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-
hydroxyandrostan-6-one (Prepn. 26) by the procedure described above
for the preparation of 6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ah,
Prepn. 18). The crude was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,

cyclohexane/acetone/CH2Cl-2 70/15/15). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS: δ 10.45 (1H, s), 4.33 (1H, s), 3.96-3.69 (8H, m), 2.96
(1H, dd), 2.02-1.08 (18H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.71 (3H, s).
The title compound II-aq was prepared in 80% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane by the
procedure described above for the preparation of 6-
methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined or-
ganic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evapo-
rated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography
(SiO2. n-hexane /acetone/CH2Cl2 60/20/20). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace-
tone-d6. ppm from TMS: δ 10.72 (1H. s), 5.35 (1H. s). 3.12 (1H, dd).2.85-1.09 (18H, m), 0.94 (3H. s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Preparation 28
5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)-Methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ar)
3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane
was prepared in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-
hydroxyandrostane-6-one (Prepn. 26) by the procedure described above
for the preparation of 6-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ah,
Prepn. 18). The crude was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
cyclohexane/Acetone/CH2Cl2 70/15/15). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS): δ 4.42 (1H, s), 3.95-3.75 (8H, m), 3.70 (3H, s), 2.87
(1H, dd), 2.00-1.10 (18H, m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.72 (3H, s).
The title compound II-ar was prepared in 80% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane by the
procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methelene-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic ex-
tracts were washed with H2O. dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to
dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-
hexane /acetone/CH2Cl2 60/20/20). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm

from TMS): 5 5.46 (1H, s), 3.75 (3H, s), 3.20-2.93 (1H, dd), 2.86-2.75
(1H, d), 2.30-1.10 (17H, m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s).
Preparation 29
Androstane-3,7,17-trione (II-as)
A mixture of 3β-acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione (7.97 g) and 10% Pd/C
(0.80 g) in EtOH (0.5 L) was stirred under H2 at atm pressure for 2 h.
The mixture was filtered through Celite and the filtrate evaporated to
dryness. The crude product was crystallized from Et2O to give 3β-
acetoxyandrostane-7.17-dione (4.75 g. 60%) 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace-
tone-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 4.57 (1H, m), 2.66-0.96 (20H, m), 1.96 (3H,
s), 1.05 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s).
To a solution of 3β-acetoxyandrostane-7,17-dione in MeOH (156 raL),
5N NaOH (54 mL) was added. After stirring at room temperature for
10 min the solution was evaporated and the residue extracted with
CH2Cl2 (2 x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine,
dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness to give 3β-
hydroxyandrostane-7,17-dione (1.70 g, 95%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace-
tone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.56 (1H, d), 3.35 (1H, m), 2.66-0.87 (20H.
m), 1.02 (3H, s), 0.76 (3H, s).
To a stirred solution of 3β-hydroxyandrostane-7,17-dione (1.60 g),
TPAP (0.09 mg), NMNO (1.43 g) under N2 in CH2Cl2 (100 mL), molecu-
lar sieve type 4 Ǻ powder (2.6 g) was added. After 0.5 h the mixture
was filtered and the filtrate was purified by flash chromatography
(SiO2, CH2Cl2) to give the title compound II-as (1.29 g, 81%). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.82-1.12 (20H, m), 1.39 (3H,
s), 0.88 (3H, s).
Preparation 30
7-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-at)

3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7-one was prepared in 82%
yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-5-androsten-7-one by the proce-
dure described above for the preparation of 3β-acetoxyandrostane-7,17-
dione (Prepn. 29) using EtOAc instead of EtOH. The crude product was
purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 6/4). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS: 5 3.96-3.75 (8H, m), 2.54-1.10
(20H, m), 1.13 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s).
3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane was pre-
pared in 95% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstan-7-one by
the procedure described above for the preparation of 3.3:17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 18). The crude
product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH
9/1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 6 10.17 (1H, s),
3.88-3.70 (8H, m), 2.89 (1H. m). 2.23-0.71 (19H. m), 0.90 (3H, s), 0.77
(3H, s).
The title compound II-at was prepared in 50% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The crude product
was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 6/4). 1H-
NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 5 10.37 (1H, s). 2.99 (1H.
m), 2.58-0.67 (19H, m), 1.12 (3H, s), 0.82 (3H, s).
Preparation 31
7-(E)-Methoxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-au)
3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane was pre-
pared in 90% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstan-7-one by
the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 18). The crude
product was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, CHiCb/MeOH

9/1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 5 3.88-3.70 (8H,
m). 3.69 (3H, s), 2.79 (1H, m), 2.28-0.72 (19H, m), 0.89 (3H, s), 0.77
(3H, s).
The title compound II-au was prepared in 55% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The crude product was purified by flash chroma-
tography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 6/4). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS: 6 3.72 (3H, s), 2.89 (1H, m), 2.63-0.93 (19H, m), 1.12
(3H, s). 0.82 (3H, s).
Preparation 32
7-(E)-Allyloxyiminooandrostane-3,17-dione (II-av)
3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-allyloxyiminoandrostane was pre-
pared in 86% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7-one
by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 18). The
crude product was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-
hexane/EtOAc 6/4). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
5.98 (1H. m), 5.23 (1H. m), 5.12 (1H, m), 4.48 (2H, ddd), 3.97-3.88 (8H.
m), 2.98 (1H, m), 2.32 (1H, m), 2.24 (1H, t), 2.00-1.00 (16H, m), 1.00
(3H, s). 0.95 (1H, m), 0.85 (3H, s).
The title compound II-av was prepared in 76% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-allyloxyiminoandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The crude product was purified by flash chromatog-
raphy (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 8/2). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.98 (1H, m), 5.24 (1H, m), 5.14 (1H, m), 4.48 (2H, m),
2.40-1.10 (20H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s).
Preparation 33

7-Methyleneandrostane-3.17-dione (II-aw)
The 3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane was prepared
in 85% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7-one by the
procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-raethyleneandrostane (Prepn. 13). The combined
organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evapo-
rated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
4.67 (1H, m), 4.60 (1H, m). 3.86 (8H, m), 2.20-1.10 (20H, m), 0.97 (3H,
s), 0.86 (3H, s).
The title compound II-aw was prepared in 87% yield from 3.3: 17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane by the procedure described
above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac,
Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O.
dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.70 (1H, m), 4.62 (1H, m), 2.20-1.10
(20H, m), 1.00 (3H, s), 0.88 (3H. s).
Preparation 34
7α-Hydroxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-av). and 7β-Hydroxymethyl-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-aw)
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane and 3,3:17,17
-bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-hydroxymethylandrostane were prepared in 10%
and 70% yield, respectively, from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-
methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 33, 2.9g) by the procedure described
above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxy-
methylandrostane (Prepn. 14). The residue was purified by flash chro-
matography (Si02, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40). 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-
7α-hydroxymethylandrostane 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.85-3.75 (8H, m), 3.67 (2H, m), 3.34 (1H, t), 2.00-0.90
(21H, m), 0.87 (3H, s), 0.81 (3H, s) 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-
hydroxymethylandrostane 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from

TMS): 5 3.90-3.75 (8H, m), 3.58 (2H, m), 3.31 (1H, t), 2.00-1.10 (21H,
m), 0.84 (3H. s), 0.81 (3H, s).
7α-Hydroxymethylandrostane-3,17-dione II-av was prepared in 85%
yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane
by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methylene-
androstane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic ex-
tracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to
dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.71 (2H,
m), 3.30 (1H, t), 2.50-1.25 (21H, m), 1.12 (3H, s), 0.85 (3H, s).
7β-Hydroxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione II-aw was prepared in 85%
yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-hydroxymethylandrostane by
the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-methylene-
androstane-3.17-dione (II-ac. Prepn. 13). The combined organic ex-
tracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to
dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.70-3.60
(2H, m), 3.54 (1H, t), 2.50-0.90 (21H, m), 1.06 (3H, s), 0.86 (3H, s).
Preparation 35
7α-Hydroxyandrostane-3.17-dione (II-ax)
To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androsuane-7-one
(Prepn. 30, 762 mg) in dry THF (21 mL) at -78 °C under N2, 1M lithium
selectride in THF (2.34 mL) was added. After completing the addition,
the mixture was stirred at -70 °C for 0.5 h. H2O (7.8 mL) was cau-
tiously added dropwise followed by 6N NaOH (18.7 mL) and 9.8 M
H2O2 (3.0 mL). After stirring at room temperature for lh, brine (20 mL)
was added. The mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x 20 mL). The
combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4,
filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography (Si02, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40) to give 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxyandrostane (578.6 mg, 75%). 1H-NMR (300

MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.16 (1H, d), 3.85-3.65 (8H, m), 3.59
(1H, m), 2.00-1.00 (20H, m), 0.72 (6H, s).
The title compound II-ax was prepared in 89% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxyandrostane by the procedure described
above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac,
Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O,
dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
dmso-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.32 (1H, bb), 3.75 (1H, m), 2.40-1.00 (20H,
m), 0.96 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Preparation 36
7α-Methylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ay)
To a solution of DABCO (70 mg) in dry CH2Cl2 (3 mL) at 0oC
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 34,
90 mg) was added, followed by the addition of 4-toluenesulfonyl chlo-
ride (90 mg). After stirring overnight at room temperature, the precipi-
tate was filtered, washed with CH2Cl2. The filtrate was evaporated to
dryness and the residue purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclo-
hexane/AcOEt 80/20) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-[4-methyl
(benzenesulfonyloxy)methyl]androstane (86 mg, 70%). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.78 (2H, m), 7.49 (2H, m), 4.12
(1H, dd), 3.99 (1H, dd), 3.87-3.67 (8H, m), 2.42 (3H, s), 1.90-1.00 (21H,
m), 0.73 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s).
To a solution of NaBH4 (30 mg) in DMSO (6 mL) 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-[4-methyl(benzenesulfonyloxy)methyl]androstane
(70 mg) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature
for 6 hrs. H2O was added and the mixture extracted with Et2O (2 x).
The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, brine, dried
over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was puri-
fied by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/Et2O 75/25) to give
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-methylandrostane (34 mg, 70%). lH-

NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.85-3.75 (8H, m), 2.00-
1.00 (21H, m), 0.92 (3H, d), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s).
7α-Methylandrostane-3,17-dione II-ay was prepared in 90% yield from
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-methylandrostane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 2.50-1.17 (21H, m), 1.10 (3H, s),
0.97 (3H, d), 0.87 (3H, s).
Preparation 37
7β-Methylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-az)
A mixture of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane
(Prepn. 33, 520 mg) and (1,5-cyclooctadiene)(pyridine)(tricyclo hexyl-
phosphine)iridium(l)hexafluoro-phosphate (crabtree catalyst) (75 mg)
in CH2Cl2 (52 mL) was stirred under H2 at atm pressure for 4 h. The
mixture was evaporated to dryness and purified by flash chromatogra-
phy (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 85/15) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-
7β-methylandrostane (287.5 mg, 55%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-ds.
ppm from TMS): δ 3.80-3.60 (8H, m). 2.00-1.00 (20H, m). 0.97 (3H, d).
0.89 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s), 0.73 (1H, m).
The title compound II-az was prepared in 90% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-methylandrostane by the procedure described
above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac,
Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O,
dried over Na2SO5 and evaporated to dryness. 'H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-da, ppm from TMS): δ 2.50-1.10 (20H, m), 1.07 (3H, d), 1.06 (3H,
s), 0.89 (1H, m), 0.88 (3H, s).
Preparation 38

7-(Spirocyclopropane)androstane-3,17-dione (II-ba)
The title compound II-ba was prepared in 45% yield from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane (Prepn. 35) by the procedure
described above for the preparation of 6-(spirocyclo-
propane)androstane-3,17-dione (II-al, Prepn. 22). The residue was pu-
rified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc/acetone 10/1/1).
1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS: 5 2.52-0.84 (20H, m),
1.16 (3H, s), 0.87 (3H, s), 0.60 (1H, m), 0.42 (1H, m), 0.35 (1H, m), -0.09
(1H, m).
Preparation 39
7α-Formamidomethylandrostane-6,17-dione (II-bb)
3.3:17,1 7-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-aminoandrostane was prepared from
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 30,
1.61 g) by the procedure described above for the preparation of
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-aminoandrostane (Prepn. 20). The com-
bined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and
evaporated to dryness. The crude product was purified by flash chro-
matography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/NH4OH 90/10/1) to give a mixture of
3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-aminoandrostane and 3,3:17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-aminoandrostane ( 1.19 g, 35/65 mixture).
To a stirred solution of a 35/65 mixture of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-
7α-aminoandrostane and 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7β-amino-
androstane (1.17 g) under N2 in CH2C12 (35 mL) at 0 °C Et3N (1.67
raL) and 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (1.39 g) were added. Af-
ter stirring overnight at room temperature, water was added and the
mixture extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic phase was washed with
5% NaHCO3 dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The resi-
due was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2; n-hexane/EtOAc
70/30) to give [3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-androstane-7α-yl]carbamic
acid 9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl ester (505 mg. 28%) 1H-NMR (300 MHz,

DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.90 (2H, m). 7.71 (2H, m), 7.54 (1H, m),
7.43-7.22 (4H, m), 4.50-4.10 (3H, m), 3.90-3.80 (8H, m), 3.66 (1H, m),
1.90-0.80 (19H, m), 0.77 (6H, s), 0.70-0.65 (1H, m).
To a stirred solution of [3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7α-
yl]carbamic acid 9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl ester (464 mg) in dry THF (29
mL) at 0 °C, 1M tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.13 raL) was
added. After completing the addition, the mixture was stirred at room
temperature for 4 h. The solution was concentrated to small volume
and purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, CH2Cl2/MeOH/26%
NH4OH 92/8/0.8) to give 3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-amino-
methylandrostane (247 mg. 84 %) 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6 ppm from TMS): δ 3.82-3.65 (8H, m), 2.81 (1H, m), 1.90-1.00 (22H, m), 0.77
(3H, s), 0.75 (3H,s).
3,3:17.17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-formamidoandrostane was prepared in
92% yield from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-aminomethylandrostane
by the procedure described above for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-formamidoandrostane (Prepn. 20). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 8.10 (1H, m), 7.98 (1H, m), 4.05
(1H, m), 3.89-3.20 (8H, m), 1.93-0.50 (20H, m), 0.80 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s)
The title compound II-bb was prepared in 97% yield from 3,3:17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)- 7α-formamido androstane by the procedure de-
scribed above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The crude product was purified by flash chroma-
tography (SiO2, n-hexane/Acetone 70/30).1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
de, ppm from TMS): δ 8.10 (1H, m), 7.98 (1H, m), 4.05 (1H, m), 2.50-
0.70 (20H, m), 1.02 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s).
Preparation 40
7α-Methoxycarbonylandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bc)

3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane was obtained
(2.86 g, 95%) by the procedure described above for the preparation of
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 14)
starting from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-methyleneandrostane
(Prepn. 33, 2.89 g). The combined organic extracts were washed with
brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The resi-
due was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc
45/55). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.90-3.70
(8HT m), 3.50 (2H, m), 3.35 (1H, t), 2.05-0.66 (21H, m), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.80
(3H, s).
To a solution of 3,3:17.l7-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxymethyl-
androstane (2.86 g) in DMSO (30 mL). IBX (3.95 g) was added and
stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The mixture was quenched by ad-
dition of H2O (150 mL) and Et2O (150 mL). After stirring for 15 min,
the mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with Et2O. The lay-
ers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with Et2O (3
x). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 75/35) to give 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-formylandrostane (2.36 g, 83%). 1H-NMR (300
MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.96 (1H, d), 3.95-3.75 (8H, m),
2.50 (1H, m). 2.30-0.69 (20H. m), 0.89 (3H, s). 0.84 (3H, s).
7α-Formylandrostane-3,17-dione was prepared in 85% yield from
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-formylandrostane (2.36 g) by the proce-
dure described above for the preparation of 6-methyleneandrostane-
3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 9.95 (1H, d). 2.57-0.80 (21H, m), 0.95 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s).
To a stirred suspension of 7α-formylandrostane-3,17-dione (1.77 g) in t-
ButOH (35 mL) and 5% aqueous Na2HPO4 solution (21.5 mL), 1N
aqueous KMnO4 (35 mL) was added. After 5 minutes at room tempera-
ture, the mixture was quenched by addition of 40% aqueous NaHSO3
solution. The suspension was filtered, washed with H2O and the fil-

trate was freeze-dried. The residue was taken up with H2O (50 mL)
and extracted with EtOAc (4 x 70 mL). The combined organic extracts
were dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 7α-
carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (1.80 g, 96%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, ace-
tone-d6- ppm from TMS): δ 12.00 (1H, bb), 2.65 (1H, m), 2.45-0.70 (20H,
m), 1.00 (3H,s), 0.79 (3H,s).
To a stirred solution of 7α-carboxyandrostane-3,17-dione (680 rag) in
CH2Cl2 (30 mL) at 0 °C, MeOH (160 µL), DMAP (20 mg) and EDAC
(800 mg) were added. After stirring overnight at room temperature,
H2O was added and the mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (2 x). The
combined organic extracts were washed with H2O. brine, dried over
Na2SO4, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified
by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40) to give the title
compound II-bc (500 mg. 70%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm
from TMS): δ 3.63 (3H, s). 2.85 (1H, m), 2.50-0.75 (20H, m). 1.12 (3H.
s), 0.86 (3H, s).
Preparation 41
6 (E) Hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II bd)
A solution of chlorotrimethylsilane (3.7 mL) and LDA (15.6 mL, 1.5M
in THF) in dry THF (15 mL) at -78 °C under nitrogen was added
dropwise, in 30 minutes, to a solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)
androstane-6-one (1.43 g) in THF (15 mL) at -78 °C. After 2 h TEA
(7.3 mL) was added at -20 °C followed, after 30', by the addition of solid
NaHCO3. After extraction with EtOAc (3 x), the combined organic ex-
tracts were washed with brine (3 x), dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated
to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2,
cyclohexane/EtOAc 90/10) to give 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-
trimethylsililoxyandrost-6-ene (1.35 g, 80%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. ace
tone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.67 (1H, m), 3.94-3.76 (8H, m), 2.31 (1H,
m), 2.00-0.90 (17H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.83 (3H, s), 0.17 (9H, s).

To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-trimethylsililoxy-
androst-6-ene (940 mg) in CH2Cl2 (50 mL), at -15 °C solid NaHCO3
(683 mg) was added followed by the addition of raCPBA (550 mg, 70%).
After 1h TBAF (2.56 g) was added and then warmed to room tempera-
ture. After lh the mixture was quenched by addition of brine then ex-
tracted with CH2Cl2. The combined organic extracts were washed with
H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was
purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 60/40) to give
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxyandrostane-6-one (660 mg, 80%).
1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.63 (1H, d), 3.90-
3.70 (8H. m), 3.53 (1H. m). 3.13 (1H. m), 2.00-1.00 (17H, m), 0.74 (3H,
s), 0.62 (3H. s).
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane
was obtained ( 628 mg. 92%) from 3.3:17.17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-
hydroxyandrostane-6 one (660 mg) by the procedure described for the
preparation of 6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ah,
Prepn. 18). The crude product was used without purification in the
next step. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.42 (1H,
s), 4.90 (1H, d), 4.80 (1H, m), 3.90-3.75 (8H, m), 2.75 (1H, m), 1.90-1.00
(17H, m), 0.73 (3H, s). 0.61 (3H, s).
The title compound II-bd was prepared (500 mg. 60%) from 3,3:17.17-
bis(ethylendioxy)- 6 (E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane-6-one
(628 mg) by the procedure described above for the preparation of 6-
methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione (II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined or-
ganic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evapo-
rated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography
(SiO2, n-hexane/acetone/CH2Cl2 40/30/30). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-
d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.76 (1H, s), 5.14 (1H, d), 5.02 (1H, m), 2.84 (1H,
m), 2.70-1.10 (17H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Preparation 42
6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-3,7.17-trione (II-be)

3,3:17,17-Bis(ethylendioxy)-7-trimethylsililoxyandrost-6-ene was pre-pared (1.82 g, 84 %) from 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)androstane-7-one
(1.86 g) by the procedure described for the preparation of 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6-trimethylsililoxyandrost-6-ene (Prepn. 41). The
combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4
and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chroma-
tography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 92/8). 1H-NMR (300 MHz. DMSO-d6,
ppm from TMS): δ 4.35 (1H, m), 3.90-3.70 (8H, m), 2.20-2.05 (1H, m),
1.90-0.90 (17H, m), 0.79 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s), 0.15 (9H, s).
To a solution of 2,6-diphenylphenol (3.80 g) in DOM (50 mLA trimethy-
laluminium (4 mL, 2M in hexanes) was added. After 1h the mixture
was warmed to 0 °C, and a solution of trioxane (231 mg) in DCM (1
mL) added. After lh the mixture was cooled to -78 °C and a solution of
3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7-trimethylsililoxyandrost-6-ene (1.21 g) in
DCM (15 mL) was added, then stirred overnight at -20 °C. The reaction
was quenched by addition of NaHCO3 saturated solution. The mixture
was filtered on a celite pad and washed with DCM. The filtrate was
washed with water, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to small vol
ume. TBAF (2.8 mL, 1M in THF) was added and the mixture stirred at
room temperature for 1.5 h. The olive-green solution was washed with
water, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was
purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/EtOAc 30/70) to give
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7-one (783
mg, 72%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 4.05 (1H,
t), 3.90-3.70 (8H, m), 3.50 (2H, m), 2.45-2.28 (2H, m), 2.10-1.95 (1H, m),
1.90-1.10 (16H, m), 1.05 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s).
The title compound II-be was prepared (570 mg, 92%) from 3,3:17,17-
bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7-one (780 mg) by the
procedure described above for the 6-methyleneandrostane-3,17-dione
(II-ac, Prepn. 13). The combined organic extracts were washed with
brine, dried over Na2SO4 and preparation of evaporated to dryness.
The residue was used without purification in the next step. 1H-NMR

(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.25 (1H, t), 3.55 (2H, m), 2.51
(2H, m), 2.10 (1H, m), 1.90-1.10 (16H, m), 0.95 (3H, s), 0.80 (3H, s).
Preparation 43
3β-[(R.S)-(1-tert-Butoxycarbonylpiperidin-3-yl)carbonyloxylandrostane-
6.17-dione(II-bf)
To a stirred suspension of 3β-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxyandrostane-
6α,17β-diol (EP 0825197 A2, 6.21 g) in DMSO (160 mL), IBX (16.45 g )
was added at room temperature. After 1.5 h the mixture was quenched
at room temperature by addition of H:0 (300 mL). After 15 min the
mixture was filtered and the cake was washed with H2O. The cake was
extracted with Et2O (4 x). The combined organic extracts were dried
over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 3β-tert-butyldimethyl-
silyloxyandrostane-6,17-dione (0.36 g, 75°o). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS: 6 3.54 (1H, m), 2.47-1.08 (20H, m), 0.84 (9H,
s), 0.77 (3H, s), 0.66 (1H, s), 0.01 (6H, s).
To a stirred suspension of 3β-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxyandrostane-
6,17-dione (2.00 g) in EtOH (20 mL), 37% HCl (40 µL) was added. After
3 h the solution was quenched with 5% aqueous NaHCO3 to pH 7. The
organic solvent was evaporated and the aqueous phase was extracted
with CH2Cl2 (4 x350 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed
with saturated aqueous NH4Cl, brine, H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and
evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatogra-
phy (SiO2, cyclohexane/EtOAc 90/10) to give 3β-hydroxyandrostane-
6,17-dione (1.25 g, 86%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.56 (1H, d), 3.31 (1H, m), 2.45-1.15 (20H, m), 0.77 (3H, s), 0.65
(3H, s).
A solution of 3β-hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione (60.15 mg), EDAC (75.7
mg), 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-piperidinecarboxylic acid (50.7 mg),
DMAP (1.2 mg) in THF (1.9 mL) and H2O (100 µL) was stirred over-
night at room temperature. The mLxture was diluted with THF, dried

over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by
flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane/EtOAc 10/90) to give the title
compound II-bf (49 mg, 50%). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from
TMS): δ 4.62 (1H, m), 3.50-1.20 (29H, m), 1.35 (9H. s), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69
(3H, s).
Preparation 44
3β-(N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6.17-
dione (II-bg)
Prepared in 62"c yield from 3β hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and 1-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-piperidinecarboxylic acid by the procedure de-
scribed in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
4.65 (1H. m). 3.60-1.20 (29H, m). 1.35 (9H, s). 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s).
Preparation 45
3β-(N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-ylcarbonyloxv)androstane-6.17-
dione (II-bh)
Prepared in 65% yield from 3β hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and 1-
(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-azetidinecarboxylic acid by the procedure de-
scribed in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
4.66 (1H, m), 4.50-1.00 (29H, m), 1.35 (9H, s). 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s).
Preparation 46
3β-(N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)pirrolidin-3R,S-ylcarbonyloxv)androstane-
6.17-dione (II-bi)
Prepared in 75% yield from 3β-hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and
3R,S-[l-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)]pirrolidinecarboxylic acid by the proce-
dure described in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from

TMS): 5 4.59 (1H, m), 3.45-2.85 (5H, m), 2.40-1.10 (22H, m), 0.78 (3H,
s), 0.69 (3H, s).
Preparation 47
3β-(N-(tert-Butoxvcarbonyl)mon)holin-2(R,S)-lcarbonyloxn)androstane-
6.17-dione (II-bi)
Prepared in 77% yield from 3β-hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and R,S
N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)morpholin-2-yl carboxylic acid by the procedure
described in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.66 (1H, m). 4.15-2.50 (7H, m), 2.50-1.10 (20H. m). 1.35 (9H.
s), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.69 (3H, s).
Preparation 48
3β-(N.N'-Bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-2(R,S)-ylcarbonyloxy) an-
drostane-6,17-dione (II-bk)
Prepared in 85% yield from 3β-hydroxyandrostane-6,17-dione and R,S
N,N'-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-2-ylcarboxylic acid by the pro-
cedure described in Prepn. 43. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.72 (1H, m). 4.40-3.20 (7H, m), 2.60-1.15 (20H. m), 1.35
(18H, s), 0.78 (3H, a), 0.69 (3H, s).
Preparation 49
3α-Mercapto-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one (II-bl)
To a solution of triphenylphosphine (2.38 g) in THF (140 mL) cooled at
0° C, diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (1.79 mL) was added dropwise. After
stirring for 30 minutes, thioacetic acid (0.65 mL) and androstane-
3β,6α,17β-triol (2.00 g) were added. After 2 hrs at 0 °C and overnight at
room temperature EtOAc was added. The mixture was washed with
water and the organic layer evaporated to dryness. The crude product

was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2, cyclohexane:EtOAc 55:45)
to give 3α-acetylthioandrostane-6α,17β-diol (1.60 g. 66%). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): 5 4.42 (1H, bb), 4.28 (1H, bb),
3.91 (1H, bb), 3.42 (1H, m), 3.11 (1H, m), 2.28 (3H, s), 2.00-0.80 (20H,
m), 0.74 (3H, s), 0.60 (3H, s).
To a stirred suspension of 3α-acetylthioandrostane-6α,17β-diol (1.40 g)
in CH2Cl2 (50 mL), NMNO (1.37 g), TPAP (68 mg) and powdered mo-
lecular sieves 4Ǻ (2.1 g) were added at room temperature. After 2 hrs
NMNO (0.7 g), TPAP (34 mg) and molecular sieves 4Ǻ (1 g) were added
again and the reaction was stirred for further 1.5 hrs. The crude prod-
uct was purified by flash chromatography (SiO2. cyclohexane:EtOAc
7:3) to give 3α-acetylthioandrostane-6,17-dione (1.07 g, 76%). 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.99 (1H, bb), 2.55-1.20 (23H,
m). 0.86 (3H. s), 0.79 (3H. s).
To a stirred solution of 3α-acetylthioandrostane-6,17-dione (600 mg) in
THF (8 mL) cooled at -50 °C, a solution of ylide prepared from methyl-
triphenylphosphonium bromide (1.47 g) in THF dry (8 mL) at -50 °C
and potassium tert-butoxide (484 mg ), was added. After 2 h the tem-
perature was raised to room temperature. The mixture was quenched
by addition of 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution and extracted with EtOAc
(2 x 60 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with 5%
NaH2PO4 aqueous solution, brine, dried over Na2SO4, and evaporated
to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (n-
hexane/EtOAc 9/1) to give 3α-acetylthio-6-methyleneandrostan-17-one
(210 mg, 35 % yield) and 3α-mercapto-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one
(208 mg, 35 % yield). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS):
3α-acetylthio-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one: 5 4.73 (1H, m), 4.39 (1H,
m), 3.96 (1H, m), 2.44-0.84 (20H, m), 2.29 (3H, s), 0.75 (3H, s), 0.66
(3H, s); 3α-mercapto-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one: 5 4.73 (1H, m),
4.38 (1H, m), 3.57 (1H, m), 2.52 (1H, d), 2.45-0.95 (20H, m), 0.76 (3H,
s), 0.63 (3H, s).

To a solution of 3α-acetylthio-6-methyleneandrostan-17-one (210 mg)
in MeOH (3 mL), 1N NaOH (0.6 mL) was added. After 1h at room tern
perature 5% NaH2PO4 aqueous solution was added and the mixture ex-
tracted with Et2O (2 x 20 mL). The combined organic extracts were
washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to
give the title compound (185 mg, 100%).
Preparation 50
3α-Mercaptoandrostane-6.17-dione (II-bm)
To a suspension of 3cx-acetylthioandrostane-6.17-dione (1.07 g) in
MeOH (30 mL), sodium propanethiolate (0.28 g) was added and the re-
action stirred for 20 minutes at room temperature. The mixture was
neutralized with 1N HCl. Water was added and the mixture extracted
with EtOAc. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, and
dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness to give 3α-
mercaptoandrostane-6,17-dione (943 mg, 100%), used without further
purification. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.54
(1H, m), 2.77 (1H, m), 2.54 (1H, d), 2.45-1.10 (19H, m), 0.78 (3H, s),
0.66 (3H, s).
Preparation 51
3α-[l-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyllandrostane-
6.17-dione(II-bn)
Following the procedure described in EP 0825197 A2 and starting from
androstane-3,6,17-trione (3.90 g), 36-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (2.40
g, 62%) and of 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (0.78 g, 20%) were ob-
tained after separation by flash chromatography (SiO2 CH2Cl2:EtOAc
9:1). 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ-isomer: 8 9.57
(1H, d), 2.45-1.10 (21H, m), 0.78 (3H, s), 0.63 (3H, s); crisomer: 8 9.56
(1H, bs), 2.60-0.95 (21H, m), 0.76 (3H, s), 0.60 (3H, s).

Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting
from 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (117 mg) and [3-(S)-1-(tert-
butoxycarbonyl)-3-pyrrolidinylmethyl]triphenylphosphoniura iodide
(Prepn. 52, 318 mg), the title compound II-bn was obtained after flash
chromatography (SiO2, EtOAc/n-hexane 1/1) in 73% yield. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.82 (1H, t), 5.25 (1H, t), 3.55-
3.05 (4H, m), 3.00-2.05 (7H, m), 2.00-1.10 (26H, m), 0.86 (3H, s), 0.78
(3H, s).
Preparation 52
[3-(8)-1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-3-pyrrolidinylmethylltriphenyl-
phosphonium iodide
Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting
from (S)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (1.1 g), the title
compound was obtained (1.50 g) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.95 7.60 (15H, m), 3.95-3.65 (2H, m),
3.10-2.60 (3H, m), 1.90-1.70 (1H, m), 1.60-1.40 (1H, m), 1.30 (11H, m).
Preparation 53
3α-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-
6.17-dioneqi-bo)
Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting
from 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (II-bp, Prepn. 51, 50 mg) and [3-
(R)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-pyrrolidinylmethyl]triphenyl-
phosphonium iodide (II-br, Prepn. 56, 136 mg), the tiltle compound II-
bo was obtained after flash chromatography (SiO2, EtOAc/n-hexane
1/1), in 62% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ
5.80 (1H, t), 5.20 (1H, t), 3.55-3.05 (4H, m), 3.00-2.05 (7H, m), 2.00-1.10
(26H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s).

Preparation 54
[3-(R)-1-(tert-Butoxvcarbonyl)-3-pvrrolidinvlmethyl1triphenvl-
phosphonium iodide
Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting
from (R)-1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (1.10 g), the ti-
tle compound was obtained (1.00 g) as a viscous oil. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.95-7.60 (15H, m), 3.95-3.65 (2H, m),
3.10-2.60 (3H, m), 1.90-1.70 (1H, m), 1.60-1.40 (1H, m), 1.30 (11H, m).
Preparation 55
3α-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)pyperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyllandrostane-6.17-
dione (II bp)
Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting
from 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (Prepn. 51, 66 mg) and [l-(tert-
butoxycarbonyl)-4-pyperidinylmethyl]triphenylphosphonium iodide io-
dide (Prepn. 56, 189 mg), the title compound was obtained after flash
chromatography (SiO2, EtOAc/n-hexane 1/1), in 50% yield. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, acetone-d6 ppm from TMS): δ 5.74 (1H, t), 5.19 (1H, t), 4.20-
3.95 (2H, m), 3.00-1.05 (37H, m), 0.85 (3H, s), 0.77 (3H, s).
Preparation 56
[1-(tert-Butoxvcarbonyl)-4-piperidinylmethylltriphenylphosphonium
iodide
Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting from
1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-piperidinemethanol (2.00 g), the title com-
pound was obtained (3.00 g) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 7.95-7.60 (15H, m), 3.80-3.50 (4H, m),
2.70-2.50 (2H, m), 2.00-1.80 (1H, m), 1.50-1.30 (11H, m), 1.30-1.10 (2H,
m).

Preparation 57 3α-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androslane-6,17-
dione (II-bq)
Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting
from 3α-formylandrostane-6,17-dione (Prepn. 51, 100 mg) and [1-(tert-
butoxycarbonyl)-3-azetidinylmethyl]triphenylphosphonium iodide
(Prepn. 58, 265 mg), the title compound was obtained after flash chro-
matography (SiO2, EtOAc/n-hexane 1/1) in 70% yield. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 5.82 (1H, t), 5.65 (1H, t), 4.15-3.95
(2H. m), 3.65-3.45 (3H. m), 2.60-1.10 (30H, m). 0.86 (3H, s). 0.77 (3H.
s).
Preparation 58
[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-3-azetidinylmethyl]triphenylphosphonium
iodide
Following the procedure described in US 006100279A and starting
from 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-azetidinemethanol (600 mg), the title
compound was obtained (1.10 g) as a white powder. 1H-NMR (300
MHz, DMSO-d6. ppm from TMS): δ 7.95-7.60 (15H, m), 4.10-3.90 (2H,
m), 3.75-3.60 (2H, m), 3.50-3.30 (2H. m), 3.10-2.90 (1H. m), 1.35 (9H, s).
Preparation 59
6α-Hydroxymethyl-7α-Hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-br)
To a stirred solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-6α-
hydroxymethylandrostane-7-one (Prepn. 42) (2.00 g) in MeOH (100
mL) NaBH4 (270 mg) was added at 0 °C and the temperature was
raised to rt. After 1 h the mixture was quenched by addition of 5%
NaH2PO4 and extracted with CH2Cl2. The combined organic extracts
were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness.
The residue was dissolved in dioxane (25 mL) and 1N HCl (8 mL) was

added. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h
and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chroma-
tography (SiO2, n-hexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 50/25/25) to give the title
compound II-br in 73% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from
TMS): δ 4.36 (1H, t), 4.26 (1H, d), 3.86 (1H, m), 3.43 (2H, m), 2.40-1.10
(19H, m), 0.99 (3H, s), 0.79 (3H, s).
Preparation 60
7α-Methoxymethylandrostane-3.17-dione (II-bs)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 15 and starting from
3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7a hydroxymethylandrostane (Prepn. 34,
(2.00 g), the title compound II-bs was obtained in 70% yield. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, acetone d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.30 (3H. s). 3.28 (2H. m),
2.53-0.75 (21H, m), 1.13 (3H, s), 0.90 (3H, s).
Preparation 61
7α-Methoxyandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bt)
Following the procedure described in Prepn. 15 and starting from
3.3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy)-7α-hydroxyandrostane (Prepn. 35, 1.50 g).
the title compound II-bt was obtained in 68% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz,
acetone-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 3.35 (3H, s), 2.58-1.00 (21H, m), 0.96
(3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Preparation 62
(Z) 3-[(S)-3-N-(9H-Fluoren-9-ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-
hydroxy-6-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bu) and (E) 3-
[(S)-3-N-(9H-Fluoren-9-ylmethyl)pyrrolidinylloxyimino -5α-Hydroxy-6-
(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-3.17-dione (II-by)

The title compounds were obtained following the procedure described
in Example 1 and starting from 5α-Hydroxy-6-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-aq, Prepn. 27, 1.6 g) and 3-
(S)-pyrrolidinyloxyamine dihydrochloride (III-d, Prepn. 4, 840 mg). To
the crude product (1.8 g, ratio 55/45 of the E/Z isomers) and Et3N (1.4
mL) in CH2Cl2 (18 mL) was added, under N2, at 0 °C, 9-
fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (1.2 g). After stirring overnight at
room temperature, water was added and the mixture extracted with
CH2Cl2. The organic phase was washed with 5% NaHCO3 dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography (SiO2; CH2Cl2/acetone 85/15) to give (Z) 3-[(S)-3-N-
(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bu, 920 mg) and and (E) 3-[(S)-
3-N-(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane-3,17-dione (II-bv, 930 mg). II-bu: 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.70 (1H. bs), 7.90-6.90 (9H,
m), 4.87 (1H, bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 4.46-4.10 (2H, m), 3.35-3.10 (6H, m),
3.15 (1H, m), 3.00 (1H, m), 2.70-1.00 (17H, m), 0.84 (3H, s), 0.78 (3H,
s). II-bv: 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 10.60 (1H,
bs), 7.90-6.90 (9H, m), 4.86 (1H, bs), 4.73 (1H, bs), 4.46-4.10 (2H, m),
3.35-3.10 (6H, m), 3.15 (1H. m), 3.00 (1H, m), 2.70 1.00 (17H, m), 0.84
(3H, s), 0.78 (3H, s).
Preparation 63
6-(E)-Hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (II-bw)
A solution of 3,3:17,17-bis(ethylendioxy) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane (Prepn. 27) (1.05 g) and pTSA • H2O (4.00 g)
in acetone (100 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The solu-
tion was neutralized by addition of 5% aqueous NaHCO3 and acetone
was evaporated. The aqueous suspension was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3
x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over
Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash
chromatography (SiO2, n-hexane/CH2Cl2/acetone 80/10/10) to give the

title compound II-bw in 67% yield. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 11.60 (1H, s), 5.90 (1H, s), 3.36 (1H, d), 2.60-1.15 (16H.
m), 1.08 (3H,s), 0.82 (3H,s)
Preparation 64
(RS) 3-Bromopyrrolidine hydrochloride
To a solution of (RS) l-tert-butoxycarbonyl-3-pyrrolidinol (Prepn. 3)
(3.00 g) in THF (90 mL), triphenylphosphine (12.4 g) was added, then a
solution of CBR4 (15.7 g) in THF (90 mL) was dropped and the mixture
stirred overnight at room temperature. The organic solvent was evapo-
rated and the residue was extracted with EtOAc (4 x50 mL). The com-
bined organic extracts were washed with H2O, dried over Na2SO4 and
evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatogra-
phy (SiO2, cyclohexane/ElOAc 80/20) to give (RS) 1-tert-
butoxycarbonyl-3-bromopyrrolidine in 80% yield as yellow oil. 1H-NMR
(300 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm from TMS): δ 4.85 (1H, m), 3.70-3.59 (1H,
m), 3.55-2.10 (5H, m), 1.35 (9H, s).
The title compound was obtained in 75% yield following the procedure
described in Prepn. 1. 1H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSOd6, ppm from TMS): δ
9.50 (2H, bb), 4.85 (1H, m), 3.70-3.59 (1H. m). 3.55-2.10 (5H, m).
Biological Results
To test the inhibition of the enzymatic activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase,
the Na+,K+-ATPase was purified according to Jorghensen (Jorghensen
P., BBA, 1974, 356, 36) and Erdmann (Erdmann E. et al.,
Arzneim.Forsh., 1984, 34, 1314) and the inhibition was measured as %
of hydrolysis of 32P-ATP in presence and in absence of the tested com-
pound (Mall F. et al., Biochem. Pharmacol., 1984, 33, 47; see Table 1).

Moreover the compounds of the invention possess positive inotropic
features, as shown by slow intravenous infusion in anesthetized guinea
pig according to Cerri (Cerri A. et al, J. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 2332)
and have a low toxicity, i.e. a better therapeutic ratio, when compared
with standard cardiotonic steroids, e.g. digoxin.
The compounds of the present invention show a higher efficacy and/or
a better therapeutic ratio and/or a longer duration of action compared
to compound 22b ((EZ) 3-(2-aminoethoxyimino)androstane-6,17-dione
hydrochloride) reported by S. De Munari et al. in J. Med. Chem. 2003,
64, 3644-3654.
The activity of some compounds of general formula (I) on the above
mentioned tests was determined and the results are shown in the fol-
lowing Table 2. The inotropic activity is shown as maximum increase
in contractile force (Emax measured as +dP/dTmax), dose inducing
maximum positive inotropic effect (EDmax), inotropic potency (ED80,
dose increasing +dP/dTmax by 80%); the toxicity, as the ratio between
lethal dose and inotropic potency, or safety ratio, (calculated for the
died animals); the maximum dose infused in the survived animals; the
duration of the inotropic effect as the decrease of the effect from the
EDmax measured 20 minutes after the end of the infusion.

As reported in Table 2, the compounds showed positive inotropic effects
with higher safety ratios than those displayed by digoxin and compd
22b. In fact the safety ratios (lethal dose/ED80 ratios) were either
higher or even not determinable, when no animals died; noteworthy,
for some compounds a lower percentage of animals died in comparison
to digoxin and compd 22b. Further, some compounds showed prolonged
action as shown by the persistence of the inotropic effect after stopping
the infusion (% decrease from Emax after 20 min from the end of the in-
fusion). When no animal died, higher doses were not tested since the
maximum increases in contractile force were comparable or higher to
those displayed by digoxin and compd 22b.

Further data on longer duration of action of the compounds of the pre-
sent invention were generated and these are shown in Table 3, where
the results of the metabolism of the compounds in fresh rat hepatocytes
(from Sprague Dawley, males, weights in the range 285-295 grams; vi-
ability 80-90%; concentration: 2590000-3084000 hepatocytes/ml; test
item nominal concentration: 45µM) are reported in comparison with
compd 22b which is almost completely metabolized within 60 minutes.

The compounds of the present invention possess also antihypertensive
activity, as taught, by P. Ferrari et al., in Cardiovascular Drug Reviews,
1999, 17, 39-57, who demonstrated that compounds affecting Na+,K+-
ATPase can lower blood pressure in models of hypertension.
The ability of these compounds to lower blood pressure was tested by
using an animal model with induced hypertension, in particular, rats
made hypertensive by chronic infusion of ouabain, according to Ferrari
P., et al. J. Pharm. Exp. Ther. 1998, 285, 83-94.
The procedure adopted to test the antihypertensive activity of the com-
pounds on the above mentioned model was the following: systolic blood
pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured by an indirect taII-
cuff method. The blood pressure lowering effect was measured in hy-

pertensive ouabairrsensitive rats. The compound, suspended in Metho-
cel 0.5% (w/v), was administered daily at the dose of 10 µg/kg/day by
mouth for four weeks. SBP and HR were measured weekly 6 hours af-
ter the treatment. The comparison are ouabain sensitive rats (OS rats)
and non hypertensive rats (control), both treated only with Methocel
0.5% (w/v). As shown in the following Table 4, treatment with a com-
pound of the present invention lowers the blood pressure of OS rats
(170 mm Hg) to almost the level of control rats (150 mm Hg).

CLAIMS
1. Compounds of formula (I)

wherein:
A is CH X, C=N O, CR6 CH=CH , CR6 CH2, CR7 XC=O,
CR XC(=O)X', wherein the left end carbon atom in any of these groups is at position 3
of the androstane ring;
where:
X and X'. which can be the same or different, are O, S(O)x or NR8;
R is hydrogen or hydroxy;
R7 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl;
R8 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl,
x is the number 0 or 1 or 2;
B is a C1-C4 straight or branched alkylene or can be a single bond so that the A is
directly linked to the nitrogen-containing heterocycle;
Y is CH2, oxygen, sulphur or NR1, and when two R1 are present at the same time
they can be the same or different;

R1 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more
hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, or R1 is phenyl(C1-C4)straight or branched alkyl or
C(=NR9)NHR10;
R9 and R10, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched
alkyl group, or R9 and R10 can be taken together with the nitrogen atoms and the guanidinic
carbon atom to form an unsubstituted or substituted saturated or unsaturated mono
heterocyclic 5- or 6-membered ring optionally containing another heteroatom selected
from the group consisting of oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen;
R2 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, ONO2, OR11;
R11 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more
hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy or R11 is allyl or propargyl;
when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane
skeleton with R3 and/or the carbon atom in position 7 with R4 are a double bond, R3 and
R4 , being R3 and R4 the same or different, are, O, with the meaning of a keto group,
N-OR12orCRl3R14;
R12 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or
more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy groups, or R12 is allyl or propargyl;
R13 and R14, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched
alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, or R13 and
R14, which can be the same or different, are allyl, propargyl, F, COOR15, CN, CONRl6R17,
or R and R1 taken together form a cycloalkylene substituent;
R15 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more
hydroxy, methoxy or ethoxy;

R16 and R17, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched
alkyl group, or R16 and R17 can optionally be taken together with the nitrogen atom to form
a heterocyclic group;
when the bonds — linking the carbon atom in position 6 of the androstane
skeleton with R3 and/or the carbon atom in position 7 with R are single bonds, R and/or
R4, which can be the same or different, are H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group,
vinyl, ethynyl, COOR15, CN, CONR16R17, OR18, ONO2, NHCHO, NHCOCH3,
CH=N OH, spirocyclopropane, spirooxirane, where the alkyl group can be optionally
substituted by one or more hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy;
R15, R16, and R17 are as above defined,
R18 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl optionally substituted by one or more
hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy;
R3 is H, C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group or C2-C6 acyl group when the bond
— in position 17 of the androstane skeleton is a single bond and, as a consequence,
the remaining substituent in position 17 is H, and R5 is not present when the bond
— in position 17 is a double bond with the meaning of a keto group;
n is the number 0 or 1 or 2 or 3;
m is the number 0 or 1 or 2 or 3:
R15, R16 , and R17, when present in the same compound in different positions, can be
the same or different,
the symbol is an a or β single bond or an E or Z diastereoisomer when it is
linked to a double bond,
the symbol — in positions 4. 5, 6, 7, and 17 is, independently, a single or double
bond, and when it is a single exocyclic bond in positions 6, 7, or 17, it can be an α or β
single bond;

with the following provisos:
when A is CR7 XC=O, or CR7 X(C=O)X', wherein R7 is hydrogen, X is
oxygen and X' is O or NH, and when A is CH X, wherein X is oxygen, the symbol —
in position 6 linking R3 is a single bond or when the symbol — in position 6 linking R" is
i a double bond R4 is not oxygen, with the symbol — in position 7 linking R meaning a
double bond, or R4 is not OR18, with the symbol — in position 7 linking R4 meaning a
single bond,
that at least one of R2, R3 and R4 in the same structure is not hydrogen;
their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers and
their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically
acceptable salts.
2. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 and R4 represent H, the symbol R3
represents oxygen, with the meaning of keto; methylene, difluoromethylene,
hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, and the symbol

represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, [3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, [3-(S)-(1-
methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyirnino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-
[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyI], 3α-[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-
(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E isomers, optical isomers
and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically
acceptable salts.

3. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 and R4 represent H, the symbol R
represents α-hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α-methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl, α-
(2-hydroxyethyl), α-methoxy-methyl, α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, β-hydroxy,
spirocyclopropyl, the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond or a β-single
bond while the other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol

represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, [3-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, [3-(S)-(1-
methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino,3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-
[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E
isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors,
the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
4. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 represents hydroxy, the symbol R
represents H, the symbol R3 represents oxygen with the meaning of keto: methylene,
difluoromethylene, hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, when the symbols — in position 6
linking R and in position 17 represent double bonds, while the other symbols —
represent single bonds, and the symbol

represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino. 3-azetidinyloxyimino, [3-(R)-(l-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, [3-(S)-(l-
methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-
[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E
isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors,
the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
5. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 and R3 represent H, the symbol R
represents oxygen, with the meaning of keto; methylene, difluoromethylene,
hydroxyimino, methoxyimino, when the symbols — in position 7 linking R4 and in
position 17 represent a double bond, while the other symbols — represent single bonds,
and the symbol

represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-
pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimi-no, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α -[3-(RS) -pyrrolidinyl thiol, 3α- [2-(pyrrolidin -3 -(R) -yl)-(Z)-
vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-
[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z and E
isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the metabolic precursors,
the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

6. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 and R3 represent H, the symbol R
represents α-hydroxy, α-methyl, α-carbamoyl, α-methoxycarbonyl, α-hydroxymethyl, α-
methoxymethyl, α-nitroxy, α-formylamino, α-ethynyl, β-hydroxy, β-methyl, β-carbamoyl, β-methoxycarbonyl, β-hydroxymethyl, β-methoxymethyl, β-nitroxy, β-formylamino, β-
ethynyl, spirocyclopropyl, the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond while
the other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol

represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyl-oxy)imino, (RS-3-
pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinyl thiol, 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3or
[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z
and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the
metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
7. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 represents hydroxy, the symbols R3
and R represent H, the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond while the
other symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol
represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α[3-(R)-

pyrrolidinylthio]. 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-
[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z
and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the
metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutical acceptable salts.
8. Compounds according to claim 1, wherein R2 represents H, the symbols
R3 represents α-hydroxymethyl, and R4 represents α-hydroxy or keto, when
the symbol — in position 17 represents a double bond while the other
symbols — represent single bonds, and the symbol

represents (R-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (S-3-pyrrolidinyloxy)imino, (RS-3-pyrrolidinyl-
oxy)imino, 3-azetidinyloxyimino, [3-(R)-(l-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino, [3-(S)-(l-
methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino. 3α-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinylthio] ,3α-[3-(R)-
pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-
vinyl], 3α-[2-(pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-[2-(azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], 3α-
[2-(piperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl], their tautomers, all the possible stereoisomers, Z
and E isomers, optical isomers and their mixtures, their metabolites and the
metabolic precursors, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
9. Compounds according to claim 1, selected from the group consisting of:
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione;
(E) 3-(4-piperidyl)oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-(3-azetidinyl)oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione fumarate;

(E) 3-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(E,Z)3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(E) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(Z)-3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[2-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]methoxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[2-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]methoxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(E) 3-[3'-(R,S)-Piperidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(S')-(l-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6,l7-dione hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-(3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl)oxyimino -5α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one hemifumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxyandrostan-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-17-oxoandrostane-6α-yl nitrate hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethylandrostan-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methoxymethylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(Z,E) 3-(3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6α-carbamoylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(Z,E) 3-(3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6α-methoxycarbonylandrostane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostan-17-one hydrochloride;
(E) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-formamidoandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-difluoromethyleneandrostan-17-one
hydrochloride;

(Z,E) 3-(3-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6-(spirocyclopropane)androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-ethynylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-(2-hydroxyethyl)androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-(3,-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostan-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-methoxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyI)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-methoxyimino-androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-(E)-6-methoxyimino-androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methylenandrostane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(Z) 3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E) 3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methyleneandrostane -17-one
fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3'-(R)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyI]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-androstane -17-
one fumarate;
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-(I-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-androstane-17-
one fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyI)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-androstane-17-
one fumarate;

(E) 3-[3,-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-methylene-androstane-17-
one fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(Z) 3-[3'-(S)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one hemifumarate;
(E) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3'-(R)-n-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E,Z)-3-(3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyioxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino-androstane-17-one
fumarate:
(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxyimino-androstane-17-one
fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E) 3-[3'-(S)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-h5'droxy-6-(E)-methoxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;

(E) 3-[3'-(R)-(1-methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino) -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-methoxy-
iminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate;
(E,Z)3-[3'-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostan-17-one fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7(E)-methoxyiminoandrostan-17-one fumarate;
(E.Z)3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7-(E)-allyloxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7-methyleneandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrro!idinyI]oxyimino-7α-hydroxymethylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z)3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-hydroxymethylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-hydroxyandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrroIidinyI]oxyimino-7β-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7β-methylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(Z,E) 3-(3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-7-(spirocycIopropane)androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-fonnamidoandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidin>'I]oxyimino-7α-methoxycarbonylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-(3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyloxyimino)-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-7α-hydroxy-androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7,l7-dione fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethy]-androstane-7,17-dione
fumarate;

(E.Z) 3-[3'-(S)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethyl-androstane-7,17-dione
fumarate;
3β-(3-(R,S)-Piperidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6, 17-dione hydrochloride;
3β-(4-Piperidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
3(3-(3-Azetidincarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione hydrochloride;
3β-(3(R,S)-Pirrolidinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,17-dione fumarate;
3β-(2(R,S)-Morpholinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6.17-dione fumarate;
3β-(2-(R,S)-Piperazinylcarbonyloxy)androstane-6,l 7-dione dihydrochloride; 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-methyleneandrostane-17-one fumarate; 3α-[3-(RS)-pyirolidinylthio]androstane-6,17-dione fumarate; 3α-[3-(RS)-pyrrolidinylthio]-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate; 3α-[2-(Pyrrolidin-3-(S)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate; 3α-[2-(Pyrrolidin-3-(R)-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,l 7-dione formate; 3α-[2-(Pyperidin-4-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate; 3α-[2-(Azetidin-3-yl)-(Z)-vinyl]androstane-6,17-dione formate;
(Z)-3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl)oxyimino]-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7,17-dione fumarate;
(E)-3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidmyl)oxyimino]-6α-hydroxymethylandrostane-7.17-dione fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-androstane-17-one
hydrochloride:
(E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6α-hydroxymethyl-7α-hydroxy-androstane-17-one
hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxymethylandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-7α-methoxyandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyiminoandrostane-6a,17β-diol hydrochloride;
(E,Z) 3-[3'-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6β-hydroxyandrostane-17-one hydrochloride;

(E.Z) 3-[3'-(R)-( 1 -methyl)pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-
hydroxyiminoandrostane-17-one fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyI]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one
fumarate;
(E) 3-[3-(R)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one
fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one
fumarate;
(E) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino -5α-hydroxy-6-(E)-hydroxyimino-androstane-17-one
fumarate;
(E,Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-17-one fumarate;
(Z) 3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyl]oxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrost-4-ene-17-one and
(E)3-[3-(S)-pyrrolidinyI]oxyimino-6-(E)-hydroxyiminoandrostane-4-ene-17-one;
and the corresponding pure E and Z isomers of the EZ mixtures reported above.
10. A process for the preparation of compounds of claim 1, wherein A is C=N O can
be obtained from the reaction between a compound of formula (II)

where Q and Z represent together a keto group (=O), R2, R3, R4, R5 are as defined in claim
1,

with a compound of general formula (III),

where R1, B. Y, m and n have the meanings defined as defined in claim 1.
11. A process for the preparation of compounds of claim 1, wherein A is CH-X,
where X is O, S or NR8 with R8 being as defined in claim 1, comprising the reaction of a
compound of formula (II)

where the symbols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined in claim land where
Q is hydroxy, mercapto, NHR8 with R8 being as defined in claim 1, and Z is hydrogen with
a compound of general formula (VII).

where W is R1N or PGN, and R1, Y, m, n. and B are as defined in claim I, PG is a
protective group, LG is a leaving group and optional removal of the protecting group.
12. A process for the preparation of compounds of claim 1, wherein A is
CR6 CH=CH, where R6 is hydrogen, comprising the reaction of a compound of
formula (II)

where the symbols R2, R3, R4, R5, and — have the meanings defined in claim 1 and
where Q is CHO and Z is hydrogen, with a compound of general formula (IX),

where W is R1N, PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined in claim 1, R19 is a C1-C6
alkyl or aryl, Hal is a halogen, PG is a protective group and optional removal of the
protecting group.

13. A process for the preparation of compounds of claim 1, wherein A is
CR7 XC=O, where R7 is hydrogen or C1-C6 straight or branched alkyl group, X is O, S,
or NR8 where R8 is as defined in claim 1, comprising the reaction of a compound of
formula (II) as defined in claim 7

with a compound of general formula (X),

where W is R1N, PGN, and R1, Y, m, n, and B are as defined in claim 1, PG is a protective
group and optional removal of the protecting group.
14. Pharmaceutical composition comprising at least a compound of claims 1-9 in
admixture with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and/or excipient.
15. Use of the compounds of claims 1-9 as medicaments.

16. Use of the compounds of claims 1-9 for the preparation of a medicament for the
treatment of cardiovascular disorders.
17. Use according to claim 16, wherein said cardiovascular disorders is heart failure
and/or hypertension.
18. Use of the compounds of claims 1-9 for the preparation of a medicament for the
inhibition of the enzymatic activity of the Na+, K+-ATPase.
19. Use of the compounds of claims 1 -9 for the preparation of a medicament for the
treatment of a disease caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous ouabain.
20. Use according to claim 19, in which the disease caused by the hypertensive effects
of endogenous ouabain comprise renal failure progression in autosomal dominant
polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), preeclamptic hypertension and proteinuria and renal
failure progression in patients with adducin polymorphisms.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein: the groups
are as defined in the description, are useful for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders,
in particular heart failure and hypertension. The compounds are inhibitors of the enzymatic activity of the Na+,K+-ATPase. They are useful for the preparation of a medicament for the
treatment of a disease caused by the hypertensive effects of endogenous
ouabain, such as renal failure progression in autosomal dominant polycystic renal disease (ADPKD), preeclamptic hypertension and proteinuria and renal failure progression
in patients with adducin polymorphisms.

AZAHETEROCYCLYL DERIVATIVES OF ANDROSTANES AND ANDROSTENES AS MEDICAMENTS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS

Documents:

Inventors:

PCT Conventions: