Synthesis and biological activity of methyl derivatives of dl-19-nor-D-homotestosterone

Summary The synthesis of racemates of the 2-methyl, 4-methyl, 17-methyl, and 2, 17-dimethyl derivatives of 19-nor-D-homotestosterone has been described. Biological tests have shown that the introduction of a CH₃ group into positions 2 and 17 totally suppresses both androgenic and anabolic activity. The introduction of a CH₃ group into position 4 leads to a divergence of the anabolic and androgenic effects.Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 3–9, 1968