This invention relates to processes for the production of
3-oxo-pregnane-21,17-carbolactones of formula II ##STR00001## as well as
3-oxo-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactones of formula III ##STR00002## by the
metal-free oxidation of 17-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,17-dihydroxyandrostanes of
formula I ##STR00003## In addition, the invention relates to the
dichloromethane hemisolvate of
6B,7B;15.beta.,16.beta.-diethylene-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregnan-5.beta.-ol-21,-
17-carbolactone (IV) as such.