The Upjohn Co.

Marion P Salmond

Thomas R Pyke

Novel microbial transformation process to selectively convert steroids with or without 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to 3a.alpha.-H-4.alpha.-[3'-propanol]-7a.beta.-methylhexahydro-1,5-indaned ione hemiketal having the following structure: ##STR1## This compound can be used as an intermediate to make useful 19-nor steroids.

Process for preparing

Novel microbial transformation process to selectively convert steroids with or without 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to 3a.alpha.-H-4.alpha.-�3'-propanol!-7a.beta.-methylhexahydro-1,5-indaned ione hemiketal having the following structure: ##STR1## This compound can be used as an intermediate to make useful 19-nor steroids.

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Kalamazoo, MI, United States of America

Marion P Salmond