An improved process for the preparation of 20-oxopregnenane compounds

An improved process for the preparation of 20-oxopregnane compounds of formula 2 Wherein R-H2 or OAc group which comprises reducing 16-dehydropregnane compound 01 formula 1 wherein R-H2 or O.Ac with bimetal reducing system comprising zinc and nickel hexahydrate or zinc - AlCl3 or Co - NiCl2 in and organic solvent in presence of water at temperature in the range of 17 to 30o C for a period in the range of 5 to 10 hrs isolation and purifying 20-oxopregnane compounds by known methods.