Abstract
A new efficient approach to the synthesis of Δ4,6‐3‐oxo‐19‐norsteroids is described. Starting from 3β, 17α‐diacyloxy‐20‐oxo‐Δ5‐pregnenes, the derivatives VIIIa and VIIIb of 6‐dehydro‐19‐norprogesterone have been synthesized, which exhibit high progestational activity. Modification of the procedure leads to the new group of steroidal Δ5(10),6‐dienes.