Structures and synthesis of 4a-homo-7,19-dinorsteroids, X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy

X-Ray diffraction revealed the absolute configuration of 4a beta-methyl-4a- homo-7,19-dinor-5 alpha,10 alpha-androstane-3,17-dione. Detailed NMR analys is suggested that the 5 alpha configuration existed in the starting materia l, 3 beta-acetoxy-4a-methylidene-4a-homo-7,19-dinor-5 alpha-androst-9-en-17 -one, and related compounds. Thus 5-methyl-5 beta-estr-9-ene derivatives wi th a leaving group in position 6 beta were found to react with nucleophiles to form rearranged 4a-homo-7,19-dinorandrosiane derivatives with a 5 alpha configuration.