17-Ketosteroids via a base induced cleavage of C-17-dihydroxy acetone side chains

A new, base-catalyzed cleavage of C21-steroids to give 17-ketosteroids is described. This reaction is specific for those steroids containing the C-17-dihydroxy acetone side chain. In the presence of oxygen, these same reaction conditions readily degrade corticosterone to the 17 beta-carboxylic acid.