WO2007009821A1

WO2007009821A1 - Process for the production of 3-oxo-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactones by the metal-free oxidation of 17-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,17-dihydroxyandrostanes

Info

Publication number: WO2007009821A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/007287
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carsten Seilz; Hartmut Seba
Original assignee: Bayer Schering Pharma Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2005-07-21
Filing date: 2006-07-20
Publication date: 2007-01-25
Also published as: EP2527356B1; HRP20180454T1; EP2527356A3; AU2006271885A8; DK2527356T3; CA2614804C; LT2527356T; PT1910403T; NO344680B1; EP2527356A2; HUE038504T2; ES2663399T3; AU2006271885A1; HK1120520A1; EA200800326A1; EP1910403B1; HUE027858T2; NZ565247A; HRP20160853T1; BRPI0613679A2

Abstract

This invention relates to processes for the production of 3-oxo-pregnane-21,17-carbolactones of formula (II) as well as 3-oxo-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactones of formula (III) by the metal-free oxidation of 17-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,17-dihydroxyandrostanes of formula (I). In addition, the invention relates to the dichloromethane hemisolvate of 6β ,7β; 15β,16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregnan-5β-ol-21,17-carbolactone (IV) as such as well as to a process for the production of drospirenone.

Description

Process for the Production of 3-Oxo-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactones by the Metal-Free Oxidation of 17-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-3,17-dihydroxyandrostanes

This invention relates to processes for the production of 3-oxo-pregnane-21 ,17-carbo- lactones as well as 3-oxo-pregn-4-ene-21 ,17-carbolactones, in particular processes for the production of 3-oxo-17α-pregnane-21 ,17-carbolactones as well as 3-oxo-17α- pregn-4-ene-21 ,17-carbolactones. In addition, the invention relates to the dichloro- methane hemisolvate of 6β,7β; 15β, 16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregnan-5β-ol-21 , 17 carbolactone.

Examples of pharmacologically active steroid-21 ,17-carbolactones are eplerenone (θα.i iα-epoxy^α-methoxycarbonyl-S-oxo-^α-pregn^-ene^i .i 7-carbolactone), dro- spirenone (6β,7β; 15β, 16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21 , 17-carbolactone), spironolactone (7α-acylthio-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21 ,17-carbolactone), canrenone (3- oxo-17α-pregna-4,6-diene-21 ,17-carbolactone), and prorenone (6β,7β-methylene-3- oxo-17α-pregna-4,6-diene-21 ,17-carbolactone).

The build-up of the steroid-21 ,17-spirolactone can be carried out by oxidation of the corresponding 17-hydroxy-17-(3-hydroxypropyl) steroid

with suitable oxidizing agents such as chromic acid (Sam et al. J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38, 4518-4528), pyridinium chlorochromate (EP 075189), pyridinium dichromate (Bittler et al; Angew. Chem. [Applied Chem.] 1982, 94, 718-719; Nickisch et al. Liebigs Ann. Chem. 1988, 579-584), or potassium bromate in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst (EP 918791). The clearly pronounced formation of by-products by a number of secondary reactions is disadvantageous in the oxidation process of the prior art with chro- mium(VI) derivatives, by which the isolation of the pure product is hampered and the yield is reduced. The by-product profile is improved namely by the ruthenium-catalyzed oxidation (EP 918791), and thus also the yield increases. The use of transition metals in the production of pharmaceutical active ingredients, however, is generally associated with the drawback that the removal of heavy metal traces is already connected with an elevated expense. Moreover, large amounts of heavy metal-containing wastes accumu- late in the production, and said wastes can be removed only in an intensive and costly way.

The object of this invention therefore consists in making available an alternate process for the production of 3-oxo-pregnane-21 ,17-carbolactones as well as 3-oxo-pregn-4- ene-21 ,17-carbolactones from the corresponding 17-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,17-dihydroxy- androstanes that makes it possible to produce the target compounds with a higher yield and purity.

This object was achieved according to the invention in that the 17-(3-hydroxypropyl)- 3,17-dihydroxyandrostanes of general formula I

in which

R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy;

R^6a is hydrogen, together with R⁵ a double bond, or together with R^7a a -CH₂ group;

R^6b is hydrogen, together with R^7b a -CH₂ group or a double bond; R^7a is hydrogen, Ci-C₄-alkyl, CrC₄-alkoxycarbonyl, Ci-C₄-thioacyl or together with R^6a a -CH₂ group; R^7b is hydrogen, or together with R^6b a -CH₂ group; R⁹ is hydrogen, together with R¹¹ a double bond, or together with R¹¹ an epoxy group -O-;

R¹⁰ is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R¹¹ is hydrogen, together with R⁹ a double bond or together with R⁹ an epoxy group -O-; R¹³ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

R¹⁵ is hydrogen, Ci-C₄-alkyl, together with R¹⁶ a -CH₂ group or a double bond, R¹⁶ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁵ a -CH₂ group or a double bond, are reacted with an organic or inorganic hypochlorite as an oxidizing agent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide derivative to form the 3-oxo-pregnane-21 ,17-carbolactones of Formula Il

If R⁵ is a hydroxy group, the compounds of formula Il can be converted in the presence of an acid at pH < 5 with water being eliminated into compounds of formula III

Metal-free oxidations of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, lactols, and lactones are collectively referred to in the survey article of W. Adam et al., Chem. Rev. 2001 , 101 , 3499-3548. Metal-free oxidations in the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramehylpiperidine-N-oxide (TEMPO) are described by van Bekkum et al. in Synthesis 1996, 1153-1174.

Primary alcohols can be oxidized to aldehydes with sodium bromite (NaBrO₂) or calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCI₂)] in the presence of TEMPO derivatives [S. Torii et al. J. Org. Chem. 1990, 55, 462-466]. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) can also be used as an oxidizing agent (Org. Synth. 69, 212). The oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones and in particular the oxidation of primary alcohols to carboxylic acids (or with suitable diols to lactones) requires a co-catalyst (P. L. Anelli et al., J. Org. Chem. 1987, 52, 2559-2562). As a co-catalyst, a bromide (generally KBr or NaBr) is used. The addition of bromide ions can be useful even in the oxi- dation of primary alcohols to aldehydes (P. L. Anelli et al., J. Org. Chem. 1987, 52, 2559-2562).

The danger of the formation of bromine-containing by-products under oxidative conditions is disadvantageous in the use of bromides as co-catalysts. This oxidation method is especially suitable for the oxidation of primary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes.

Without the addition of bromide, the TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation of secondary alcohols to the corresponding ketones requires higher excesses of hypochlorite [3-4 molar equivalents of Ca(OCI)₂, thus 6-8 molar equivalents of OCI^"; (S. Tori et al. J. Org. Chem. 1990, 55, 462-466)].

The oxidative lactonization of 1 ,4-diols proceeds in many stages via the aldehyde, which first forms lactol in an intermediate stage; the quasi-secondary hydroxy group of said lactol must then be further oxidized. The oxidative lactonization of 1 ,4-diols therefore requires still harder conditions (at least equimolar amounts of the TEMPO deriva- tive (J. M. Bobbitt et al., J. Org. Chem. 1991, 56, 6110-6114) or other oxidizing agents in connection with increased amounts of the TEMPO catalyst (J. Einhorn, J. Org. Chem. 1996, 61, 7452-7454; in the presence of a bromide addition: S. D. Rychnovsky, J. Org. Chem. 1999, 64, 310-312; in the presence of bromide ions produced in situ from the oxidizing agent sodium bromite: S. Torii, J. Org. Chem. 1990, 55, 462-466). In view of the prior art, it was therefore surprising that oxidative lactonization on the D-ring and the oxidation of the secondary 3-hydroxy group of the 17-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,17- dihydroxyandrostanes of general formula I (altogether three oxidation stages) can be performed successfully at the same time under mild conditions in the presence of catalytic amounts of TEMPO derivatives. In addition, it was surprising that the process ac- cording to the invention can be performed with only 1.0 to 2.0 equivalents of hypochlorite per oxidation stage, thus altogether 3.0 to 6.0 molar equivalents of hypochlorite quite without the co-catalytic bromide additions.

The process according to the invention is performed with a total of at least 3 molar equivalents of alkali hypochlorite, organic hypochlorite or at least 1.5 molar equivalents of alkaline-earth hypochlorite as oxidizing agent; preferably with 3-6 molar equivalents of alkali hypochlorite, or 1.5-3 molar equivalents of alkaline-earth hypochlorite, especially preferably 3-4 molar equivalents of alkali hypochlorite or 1.5-2 molar equivalents of alkaline-earth hypochlorite. The concentration of the aqueous hypochlorite solution during the oxidation is preferably adjusted such that it is 0.8 to 1.1 mol of hypochlorite/kg.

Sodium hypochlorite, potassium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite or tert-butyl hy- pochlorite are preferably used as oxidizing agents.

The 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide derivatives (TEMPO derivatives) are used in catalytic amounts, whereby the amount is preferably 1-5 mol%, especially preferably 1-

1.5 mol%.

Suitable TEMPO derivatives are, La., the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide (TEMPO), the 4-methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide (4-MeO-TEMPO) as well as the 4-benzyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide (4-BnO-TEMPO).

TEMPO is preferably used according to this invention, especially preferably in an amount of 1-5 mol%, quite especially preferably 1-1.5 mol%.

The oxidation is carried out in an organic solvent or in a two-phase solvent-water mix- ture, whereby the solvent is selected such that both the TEMPO derivative and the compounds of formula I can be well dissolved therein.

The reaction is preferably performed in a two-phase system. The process according to the invention is quite preferably performed in a dichloromethane-water mixture.

The oxidation is performed according to the invention at a temperature of 0 to 20⁰C, preferably at 10-20⁰C.

During the oxidation, the pH of the reaction solution is to be at least 8.0; preferably 8.5 to 10.0; especially preferably 9.0 to 9.5. The pH can suitably be adjusted with a suitable Brόnsted acid, such as organic acids (e.g., acetic acid) or inorganic acids (HCI, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄) or acid salts of multivalent acids (bicarbonates, hydrogen sulfates, hydrogen phosphates, etc.). Alkali bicarbon- ates, especially preferably potassium bicarbonate, are preferably used. The oxidation reaction is brought to a halt by adding a reducing agent to quench excess hypochlorite reagent. For this purpose, any reducing agent with corresponding redox potential that is known to one skilled in the art is suitable. An aqueous alkali hydrogen sulfite solution is preferably used according to this invention. Sodium or potassium hydrogen sulfite (NaHSO₃ or KHSO₃), the aqueous solution of sodium or potassium disul- fite (Na₂SO₂O₅ or K₂S₂O₅) is especially preferably used. If, in the reaction mixture, the excess hypochlorite reagent at pH < 5 is quenched thus without the addition of a base or a basic buffer, or in the presence of a further acid addition, the 3-oxo-pregnane-21 ,17-carbolactones of formula Il (if R⁵ = OH) thus eliminate water, and equally the 3-oxo-pregn-4-ene-21 ,17-carbolactones of formula III are formed in the reaction mixture. The completion of the oxidation reaction at a pH of less than 5 makes possible the production of compounds of formula III in a one-pot process. If, in the reaction mixture, the excess hypochorite reagent is quenched with the addition of a base or a basic buffer at pH > 5, the 3-oxo-pregnane-21,17-carbolactones of for- mula Il can be isolated. The completion of the oxidation reaction at a pH of more than 5 makes possible the specific production of compounds of formula II. Since in the case R⁵ = OH the solubility of the compounds of formula Il in comparison to the compounds of formula III in organic solvents is lower, the specific isolation of the compounds of formula Il as an intermediate on the path to compounds of formula III offers the special advantage of the possibility of a more effective purification (e.g., by crystallization). The purified intermediates can be reacted according to the methods that are known in the literature with a suitable acid (such as, e.g., sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, para-toluenesulfonic acid, etc.) to form compounds of formula III (EP 0918791).

To adjust the pH, any suitable inorganic or organic base or any suitable buffer or any suitable buffer system can be used. The base or buffer is preferably added mixed or in parallel to the reaction mixture with the reducing agent.

According to this invention, sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄) is preferably used as a basic buffer. 17-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-3,17-dihydroxyandrostanes of general formula I can be obtained, e.g., starting from the correspondingly substituted 3-hydroxy-17-ketoandrostanes by the addition of propargyl alcohol at C-17 and subsequent hydrogenation of the triple bond (EP 918791 , EP 51143, DE 3026783) or as described by N. W. Atwater in J. Org. Chem. 1961 , 26, 3077 and in US 4,069,219 or in the documents cited therein. The corresponding 3-hydroxy-17-ketoandrostanes can be produced in turn from the correspondingly substituted 3-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (EP 51143, DE 3026783).

oxidation

The process according to the invention is suitable especially for the production of 3-oxo- 17α-pregnane-21 ,17-carbolactones of formula Ma

as well as 3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21 ,17-carbolactones of formula Ilia,

in which the substituents R have the following meaning:

R^6a is hydrogen or together with R^7a a -CH₂ group; R^6b is hydrogen, together with R^7b a -CH₂ group, or a double bond;

_R7a is hydrogen, CrC₄-alkoxycarbonyl, or Ci-C₄-thioacyl;

R^7b is hydrogen, or together with R^6b a -CH₂ group, R⁹ is hydrogen, together with R¹¹ a double bond or together with R¹¹ an epoxy group -O-;

R¹⁰ is hydrogen, or methyl; R¹¹ is hydrogen, together with R⁹ a double bond or together with R⁹ an epoxy group -O-;

R¹⁵ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁶ a -CH₂ group or a double bond; R¹⁶ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁵ a -CH₂ group or a double bond; whereby as starting materials, the 17-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,17-dihydroxyandrostanes of general formula Ia

are used.

The process according to the invention for the production of compounds of formulas Ma and Ilia, in which

R^6a, R^7a, R⁹, R¹¹ are hydrogen;

R^6b and R^7b together are a -CH₂ group;

R¹⁰ is methyl;

R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ together are a -CH₂ group; thus compounds Hb as well as IMb, whereby the compound of formula Ib is used as a starting material is quite especially suitable.

oxidation

Another aspect of this invention is the poorly soluble dichloromethane-hemisolvate IV that is formed, surprisingly enough, from compound lib when the process according to the invention is performed in dichloromethane and is worked up, basic, at pH > 5. During the oxidation, this poorly soluble product precipitates, and thus the influence of the oxidizing agent and thus possible further reactions, which can result in the formation of by-products, are evaded. The dichloromethane-hemisolvate IV is distinguished by a strict and constant melting point, which is 121⁰C, while compound lib melts at 188⁰C. DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) measurements have shown that compound IV is stable up to the melting point.

After the reaction is completed, the precipitation of compound IV from the reaction solution by adding a non-polar solvent, preferably an ether, especially preferably diisopropyl ether, is completed. The non-polar oxidation and elimination products that are produced with the oxidation remain largely dissolved in the ether-dichloromethane mixture, which makes possible an extremely slight isolation of the compound IV at a high purity. In this way, compound IV with a yield of 82% is obtained. The thus obtained product contains no more than 6% steroidal contaminants and can easily be reacted without further purification according to known methods with a suitable acid to form dro- spirenone IMb (EP 918791). The synthesis variant that runs through the isolated com- pound IV offers the additional advantage of a considerably higher total yield at IHb by a simpler and more effective purification in the final stage. The total yield at IHb is 77%, around 7% higher than according to the Ru-catalyzed oxidation process and subsequent water elimination and even around 21% higher than according to the one-pot process according to EP 075189 (Tab. 1). As an alternative, Ib can be oxidized to lib and converted directly to MIb in the same pot by the reaction mixture being worked up under acidic conditions at pH < 5.

Tab. 1 : Comparison of the Yields of the Process According to the Invention Compared to the Process of the Prior Art

^* See Table on page 7 EP 918791 This invention is explained in more detail based on the examples below, without being limited thereto.

Production Process

General Operating Procedure 1 (GOP1): Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Il

76.9 mmol of a compound of formula I is dissolved or suspended in 135 ml of dichloro- methane. First, 0.15 g (1 mmol) of TEMPO is added to the mixture at 15°C. The addition of a solution that consists of 134 g of a 15.25% aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution (230.7 mmol) and 8.20 g (82 mmol) of potassium bicarbonate in 114 ml of water is carried out, whereby a pH-value of 9.1 is set. After the reaction is completed, the excess oxidizing agent is quenched at 15⁰C by adding an aqueous solution that consists of 12.5 g (76.5 mmol) of sodium phosphate and 10.6 g (55.8 mmol) of sodium disulfite (Na₂S₂O₅) and 121 ml of water.

The product of formula Il is isolated from the organic phase by being precipitated from the reaction solution by adding 240 ml of diisopropyl ether, continuing to be stirred for 3 hours at 25°C, being filtered off and dried. As an alternative, the product that is al- ready partially precipitated during the reaction depending on solubility in dichloro- methane can be dissolved again by adding dichloromethane, and the organic phase is separated and redistilled in diisopropyl ether. The product that is precipitated in this case is filtered off with 300 ml of water, washed and dried.

General Operating Procedure 2 (GOP2): Synthesis of Compounds of Formula III in a One-pot Process

76.9 mmol of a compound of formula I is dissolved or suspended in 135 ml of dichloromethane. First, 0.15 g (1 mmol) of TEMPO is added at 15°C to the mixture. The addition of a solution that consists of 134 g of a 15.25% aqueous sodium hypochlorite solu- tion (230.7 mmol) and 8.20 g (82 mmol) of potassium bicarbonate in 114 ml of water is carried out, whereby a pH-value of 9.1 is set. After the reaction is completed, the excess oxidizing agent is quenched at 15°C by adding an aqueous solution of 10.6 g (55.8 mmol) of sodium disulfite (Na₂S₂O₅) in 121 ml of water. The pH of the reaction solution is set at pH < 5 by adding dilute, aqueous sulfuric acid, and stirring is continued at room temperature until the reaction is complete. The isolation of the product of formula III is carried out analogously to the isolation of the compounds of formula Il according to GOP1 , whereby the neutral washed organic phase is redistilled on diisopropyl ether. The product that is precipitated in this case is filtered off, washed with 300 ml of water and dried.

General Operating Procedure 3 (GOP3): Synthesis of Compounds of Formula III Starting from Compounds of Formula II, in which R⁵ = OH:

0.1 mol of a compound of formula II, in which R⁵ = OH, obtained according to GOP1 , is suspended in 65 ml of tetrahydrofuran or dioxane and acidified to a pH of 1 by adding 5 ml of 20% sulfuric acid. At room temperature, stirring of the reaction mixture is continued until dehydration is completed.

The isolation of the product of formula III is carried out by precipitation by means of the addition of 90 ml of water. The precipitated product is filtered off with water, washed neutral and dried.

Example 1 6β,7β;15 β,16β-Dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregnan-5β-ol-21 ,17- carbolactone-dichloromethane hemisolvate (IV):

According to GOP1, 30 g (0.0769 mol) of 17α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-6β,7β;15 β,16β- dimethylene-androstane-3β,5 β,17β-triol is reacted.

During the reaction, the product 6 β,7β;15β,16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregnan-5β-ol- 21 ,17-carbolactone accumulates in the form of its dichloromethane hemisolvate. After excess oxidizing agent is destroyed and after working-up according to GOP1 , 27 g of 6β,7β;15β, 16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregnan-5β-ol-21 , 17-carbolactone- dichloromethane hemisolvate (0.0630 mol) = 82% of theory is isolated. [α]_D ²⁰ = -61° (c = 1.0; CHCI₃); melting point = 121⁰C;

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCI₃): δ = 0.52 (q J = 5.5 Hz, 1 H, 21 α-H [of the 15,16-methylene bridge]), 0.68-0.78 (m, 2H, 20-H [of the 6,7-methylene bridge]), 0.89-0.97 (m, 1 H₁ 6-H), 0.93 (S, 3H₁ 19-H)₁ 0.99 (s, 3H, 18-H), 1.19-1.52 (m, 7H), 1.54-1.85 (m, 6H), 1.92 (dd J = 3.8 and 11.8 Hz, 1 H, 14-H), 2.06-2.16 (m, 1 H, 22-H), 2.17-2.27 (m, 1 H, 2α-H), 2.32- 2.69 (m, 5H), 2.96 (d J = 15.6 Hz, 1 H, 4α-H), 5.30 (s, 1 H, CH₂CI₂). ¹³C-NMR (400 MHz, CDCI₃): δ = 9.97 (CH₂, C-21), 11.63 (CH₂, C-20), 16.74 (CH, C- 15), 16.79 (CH, C-7), 17.29 (CH₃, C-19), 19.83 (CH₃, C-18), 21.75 (CH₂, C-11), 24.31 (CH, C-16), 24.76 (CH, C-6), 29.35 (CH₂, C-23), 30.70 (CH₂, C-22), 33.96 (CH, C-8), 34.47 (CH₂, C-1), 36.26 (CH₂, C-2), 37.31 (CH₂, C-12), 40.25 (C, C-10), 41.81 (C, C- 13), 47.59 (CH, C-9), 52.18 (CH, C-14), 53.44 (CH₂CI₂), 53.48 (CH₂, C-4), 75.57 (C, C- 5), 96.24 (C, C-17), 176.63 (C, C-24), 210.56 (C, C-3).

MS (El, 7OeV) m/e = 384 (M⁺); m/e = 366 (M⁺-H₂O); m/e = 314 (M⁺-C₄H₆O); m/e = 111 (C₇C₁₁O⁺); m/e = 91 (C₆H₁₁O⁺); m/e = 55 (C₃H₃O⁺); m/e = 43 (C₂H₃O⁺). IR: θ = 3483 crrV¹ (OH); S = 1757 crτV¹ (C=O, lactone); θ = 1708 cm^"1 (C=O); θ = 1200 cm ¹ (0-C=O); θ = 1011 cm ¹ (C-O)

Example 2 6β,7β; 15β, 16β-Dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-preg-4-ene-21 , 17-carbolactone (HIb): According to GOP2, 30 g (0.0769 mol) of 17α-(3-hydroxypropyl)-6β,7β;15β,16β- dimethylene-androstane-3β,5β,17β-triol is reacted. After excess oxidizing agent is destroyed according to GOP2, the reaction mixture is acidified with 10% sulfuric acid solution to a pH of 1 and stirred for 30 minutes at 25°C. After working-up according to GOP2, 21.5 g of 6 β,7β;15β,16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-preg-4-ene-21 ,17-carbolactone (0.059 mol) = 76.7% of theory is isolated.

[α]_D ²² » -182° (c = 0.5 CHCI₃); melting point = 201.3⁰C; UV (MeOH): ε₂₆₅ = 19,000; most important ¹H-NMR data (CDCI₃): δ = 0.40-0.67 (m, 1 H, cyclopropyl H), 1.01 (s, 3H, 18- H), 1.11 (s, 3H, 19-H), 6.04 (s, 1 H, 4-H) (D. Bittler, H. Hofmeister, H. Laurent, K. Nick- isch, R. Nickolson, K. Petzoldt, R. Wiechert; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1982, 21 , 696-697];

MS (El, 7OeV) m/e = 366 (M⁺); m/e = 338 (M⁺-CO); m/e = 351 (M⁺-CH₃); significant fragments: m/e = 111 ; m/e = 136; m/e = 199, m/e = 217; m/e = 242; m/e = 255; m/e = 268; m/e = 293 [Interpretation: See W. Krause, G. Kuehne; Steroids 1982, 40, 81-90]. Example 3 6β,7β: 15β, 16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-preg-4-ene-21 , 17-carbolactone (IMb): According to GOP3, 30 g (70,25 mmol) of 6β,7β:15β,16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α- pregnane-5β-ol-21 ,17-carbolactone dichlormethane hemisolvat (from Example 1) is reacted to yield 24.30 g of drospirenone (yield: 94.5%).

Claims

1. Process for the production of 3-oxo-pregnane-21 , 17-carbolactones of formula Il

in which

R⁵ is hydrogen, hydroxy;

_R6b is hydrogen, together with R^7b a -CH₂ group or a double bond;

R^7a is hydrogen, Ci-C₄-alkyl,

d-C₄-thioacyl or together with R^6a a -CH₂ group,

_R7b is hydrogen, or together with R^6b a -CH₂ group;

R⁹ is hydrogen, together with R¹¹ a double bond, or together with R¹¹ an epoxy group -O-;

R 10 is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl;

>11 is hydrogen, together with R⁹ a double bond or together with R⁹ an epoxy group -O-;

R 13 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;

R¹⁵ is hydrogen, C_rC₄-alkyl, together with R¹⁶ a -CH₂ group or a double bond; R¹⁶ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁵ a -CH₂ group or a double bond;

comprising the reaction of compounds of formula I

with at least 3 molar equivalents of an organic or inorganic hypochlorite as oxidizing agent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide derivative at a pH of at least 8.0.

2. Process according to claim 1 for the production of 3-oxo-17α-pregnane-21 ,17- carbolactones of formula Ma

in which

R^6a is hydrogen or together with R^7a a -CH₂ group;

R^6b is hydrogen, together with R^7b a -CH₂ group, or a double bond;

R^7a is hydrogen, CrC^alkoxycarbonyl, or C₁-C₄-UiJOaCyI;

_R7b is hydrogen, or together with R^6b a -CH₂ group,

R⁹ is hydrogen, together with R¹¹ a double bond or together with R¹¹ an epoxy group -O-;

R¹⁵ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁶ a -CH₂ group or a double bond; R¹⁶ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁵ a -CH₂ group or a double bond; wherein compounds of formula Ia

are reacted.

3. Process according to claim 1 or 2 for the production of the compound of formula Hb,

whereby the compound of formula Ib

is used as a starting material.

4. Process for the production of 3-oxo-pregn-4-ene-21 , 17-carbolactones of formula III

in which

R^6a is hydrogen, together with R⁵ a double bond, or together with R^7a a

-CH₂ group;

R^6b is hydrogen, together with R^7b a -CH₂ group or a double bond; R^7a is hydrogen, d-C-ralkyl, d^-alkoxycarbonyl, Ci-C₄-thioacyl or together with R^6a a -CH₂ group,

R^7b is hydrogen, or together with R^6b a -CH₂ group;

R¹⁰ is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R¹¹ is hydrogen, together with R⁹ a double bond or together with R⁹ an epoxy group -O-;

R¹³ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; R¹⁵ is hydrogen, CrC₄-alkyl, together with R¹⁶ a -CH₂ group or a double bond, R¹⁶ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁵ a -CH₂ group or a double bond;

comprising the following steps:

a) the reaction of compounds of general formula I

in which

R⁵ is hydroxy;

_Rea _R6b _R7a _R7b _Rio _Rii _Ri3 _Ri5 _Ri6 _{hgve the same meanjng as} J_n formula III,

with at least 3 molar equivalents of an organic or inorganic hypochlorite as an oxidizing agent in the presence of 1-5mol% of a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-N-oxide derivative at a pH of at least 8.0 and at a temperature of 0-15⁰C, in dichloromethane or in a two- phase dichloromethane-water mixture,

to form the compounds of formula Il

b) subsequent elimination of water at pH < 5, optionally in the presence of an acid.

5. Process for the production of 3-oxo-pregn-4-ene-21 , 17-carbolactones of formula III

in which

R^6a is hydrogen, together with R⁵ a double bond, or together with R^7a a

-CH₂ group;

R^6b is hydrogen, together with R^7b a -CH₂ group or a double bond; R^7a is hydrogen, d-C^alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-IhJOaCyI or together with R^6a a -CH₂ group,

R^7b is hydrogen, or together with R^6b a -CH₂ group;

R¹³ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; R¹⁵ is hydrogen, Ci-C₄-alkyl, together with R¹⁶ a -CH₂ group or a double bond, R¹⁶ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁵ a -CH₂ group or a double bond;

comprising the following steps:

a) the reaction of compounds of general formula I

in which

R⁵ is hydroxy;

_Rea _R ^βb _{R7a R}7b_{t R}i_{0) R}ii _Ri3 _R« _Rw _{have the} g_{ame meanjng as jn} formula III,

with at least 3 molar equivalents of an organic or inorganic hypochlorite as an oxidizing agent in the presence of catalytic amounts of a 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-N-oxide derivative at a pH of at least 8.0, in dichloromethane or in a two-phase dichloro- methane-water mixture;

to form the compounds of formula 11

b) the isolation of compounds of formula Il

c) subsequent elimination of water at pH < 5, optionally in the presence of an acid.

6. Process according to claim 4 or 5 for the production of 3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-

21 ,17-carbolactones of formula Ilia

in which

R^6a is hydrogen or together with R^7a a -CH₂ group;

R^6b is hydrogen, together with R^7b a -CH₂ group, or a double bond;

_R7a is hydrogen,

_R7b is hydrogen, or together with R^6b a -CH₂ group,

R 10 is hydrogen, or methyl;

R¹⁵ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁶ a -CH₂ group or a double bond; R¹⁶ is hydrogen, together with R¹⁵ a -CH₂ group or a double bond,

wherein the compounds of formula Ia

are reacted.

7. Process according to any one of claims 4, 5 or 6 for the production of a compound of formula 1Mb

whereby the compound of formula Ib

is used as a starting material.

8. Process for the production of dichloromethane hemisolvate IV:

comprising the following steps: a) the reaction of compounds of general formula Ib

b) the isolation of compounds of formula Il

9. Process according to any one of the claims 5 through 8, wherein 1-5 mol% of the 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide derivative is used.

10. Process according to any one of the claims 5 through 10, wherein 1-1.5 mol% of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxide is used.

11. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein 3-6 molar equivalents of alkali hypochlorite are used.

12. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein 3-4 molar equivalents of sodium hypochlorite are used.

13. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the reaction solution is between 8.5 and 10.0.

14. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the reac- tion solution is set with potassium bicarbonate.

15. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reaction temperature is 0 to 15°C.

16. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein after the oxidation reaction is completed, a reducing agent for quenching excess hypochlorite reagent is added to the reaction mixture.

17. Process according to claim 16, wherein the reducing agent is added with the addition of a base or a basic buffer at a pH of more than 5.

18. Process according to any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein an aqueous alkali hydrogen sulfite solution is used as a reducing agent.

19. Process according to one of claims 16 through 18, wherein as a reducing agent, sodium hydrogen sulfite or potassium hydrogen sulfite is used in the form of the aqueous solution of sodium disulfite or potassium disulfite.

20. Process according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄) is used as a base or a basic buffer.

21. 6β,7β; 15β, 16β-dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregnan-5β-ol-21 , 17-carbolactone- dichloromethane hemisolvate.

22. Process for the production of drospirenone comprising reacting 6β,7β;15β,16β- dimethylene-3-oxo-17α-pregnan-5β-ol-21 ,17-carbolactone-dichloromethane hemisolvate with an acid.

23. Process according to claim 22, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or para-toluenesulfonic acid.