The Upjohn Co.

Thomas R Pyke

Merle G Wovcha

Candice B Biggs

Marion P Salmond

Mutant which is used in a novel microbiological process to selectively degrade steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to yield predominantly androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD) and small amounts of androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD). AD is a valuable intermediate to make useful steroids.

Mycobacterium fortuitum mutant

Mutants which are used in a novel microbiological process to selectively degrade steroids having 17-alkyl side chains of from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, to androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (ADD) and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (AD). ADD and AD are valuable intermediates to make useful steroids.

Biologically pure culture of mutant mycobacterium

Mycobacterium fortuitum strain

Process for preparing androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione and

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'-propionic acid]-7a.beta.-methylhexahydro-1,5-indanedione having the following structure: ##STR1## This compound can be used as an intermediate to make useful 19-nor steroids.

Process for microbial transformation of steroids

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.

Growing community of inventors

Portage, MI, United States of America

Thomas R Pyke