A process for the preparation of 3 beta ,7 beta ,15 alpha -trihydroxy-5-androsten-17-one and the 3,15-dipivalate thereof comprises epimerizing 3 beta ,7 alpha ,15 alpha -trihydroxy-5-androsten-17-one in the presence of a ketone with or without a solvent, with dilute mineral acid and subsequent treatment with an organic base, and optionally subsequently esterifying the 3 beta - and 15 alpha -positions of the resultant 3 beta ,7 beta ,15 alpha -triol with a reactive derivative of pivalic acid.
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