A process for the preparation of pyrido (17,16-b) steroids useful as potential anticancer agents

A process for the preparation of pyrido (17, 16-b) steroids useful as potential anticancer agents of formula 1 given below : Wherein, (a) R is absent then R1=H and endocyclic nitrogen is connected with double bond; (b) R=acetate group then R1 is absent and exocyclic nitrogen is connected with double bond, Which comprises : reacting 3-acetoxy-17-acetamido-androst-5,16-dieno-16-formylidene malononitrile with pyrrolidine in a protic or aprotic solvent at a temperature in the range of 65-100oC for a period in the range of 8-12 hr., removing the solvent and neutralizing the reaction mixture with acid and recovering and purifying the compound of formula 1 by conventional chromatographic methods.