Abstract 16α—Bis (phenylsulphinyl) methyl pregnane derivative 7 gives, by a series of eliminations and rearrangements, the corresponding 16-methylene intermediate 4 on heating in the presence of triphenylphosphine. Regio-and stereoselective hydrogenation of the latter using Wilkinson's catalyst furnishes 16β—methyl corticosteroids 5.
