[Steroidal heterocyclic compounds: [16,15-c]-pyrazole derivatives of estradiol and of estrone]. / Eterociclici steroidali: [16,15-c]-pirazolderivati dell'estradiolo e dell'estrone

Condensation between ethyl formate and estradiol 16-keto derivatives, in which the 17beta-hydroxyl groups had been protected as tetrahydropyranyl ethers, produced the corresponding 15-hydroxymethylene compounds. These, by cyclization with hydrazine, gave the [16,15-c]-pyrazole derivatives. Further reactions, such as hydrolysis, etherification and chromic oxidation, afforded many differently substituted [16,15-c]-pyrazoles of the estradiol and estrone series.

Structure-activity relationship of some steroidal compounds in ocular inflammation.

The structure-activity relationship of some topically applied 21-desoxy-substituted steroids as anti-inflammatory agents was investigated; the anti-inflammatory activity remained unaltered or increased on introducing a methyl group in position 6alpha and a hydroxyl group in position 11beta, even after eliminating the hydroxyl group in position 21. The activity of the molecule was further increased by the introduction of a hydroxyl group in position 17alpha and a fluorine atom in position 9alpha.