The conversion of pregnenolone into the 3 beta,5 alpha-, 3 alpha,5 alpha-,
4 beta,5 alpha-, 3 alpha,4 alpha-, 3 alpha,4 beta- and 3 alpha,4 alpha-dihy
droxy derivatives of 17 beta-hydroxymethyl-5 alpha-androstane as steroidal
analogues of the diterpenoid DNA polymerase alpha inhibitor, aphidicolin, i
s described.