The reaction of 4,4,17-trimethyl-17beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-3-one (I) with ethyl formate by means of sodium methoxide in benzene gives 4,4,17-trimethyl-17beta-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylene-5-androsten-3-one (II), which is then cyclized with hydroxylamine hydrochloride by means of sodium acetate in refluxing acetic acid.