Synthesis of Physiologically Active Steroid Esters and Spirolactones

Sa？etak Some steroid hemimalonates, alkylhemimalonates and acetoacetates have been easily prepared in high yields by the reaction of hydroxysteroids with Meldrum acid, its alkyl- and acylderivatives, respectively. Decarboxylation of the hemimalonates and alkylhemimalonates allowed the synthesis of several hydroxysteroid esters, some of them being widely used in medical practice. 17a-hydroxyprogesterone hemimalonate and its acetoacetate, in the presence of bases, undergo cyc1odehydration giving rise to spirolactones which are potential aldosterone antagonists