A procedure for the synthesis of 6,19-cyclopregnanes is described involving an intramolecular alkylation reaction of Δ4-3-keto steroids with a 19-mesylate in the presence of KOH in isopropanol. Three 6,19-cyclopregnanes were prepared (4, 5, 9); in the rat, 6,19-cycloprogesterone (4) and its 21-hydroxy derivative 5 displaced [3H]-dexamethasone from glucocorticoid receptors, the former compound being more active. Both compounds did not compete with [3H]-aldosterone for kidney mineralocorticoid receptors nor with [3H]-R5020 for uterus progesterone receptors.
