Process for preparing17alpha-acetoxy-11beta-[4-n,n(dimethylamino)phenyl]-21-methoxy-19-norpregna-4,9-diene -3,20-dione, intermediates useful in the process , and processes for preparing such intermediates

A compound having general formula (I) in which R1 is a member selected from the group consisting of -OCH3, -SCH3, -N(CH3)2, -NHCH3, -CHO, -COCH3 and -CHOHCH3; R2 is a member selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, acyl, hydroxy, alkoxy, acyloxy, alkyl carbonate, cypionyloxy, S-alkyl and S-acyl; R3 is a member selected from the group consisting of alkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy and acyloxy; R4 is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl; and X is a member selected from the group consisting of -O and -N-OR5, wherein R5 is a member selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl. In addition to providing the compounds of formula (I), the present invention provides methods wherein the compounds of formula (I) are advantageously used, inter alia. to antagonize endogenous progesterone; to induce menses; to treat endometriosis; to treat dysmenorrhea; to treat endocrine hormone-dependent tumors; to treat uterine fibroids; to inhibit uterine endometrial proliferation; to induce labor; and for contraception.