Compounds containing a cyclopenta[a]hydrophenanthrene skeleton (see below) or a ring structure derived therefrom:

Preparation of steroids including purification, separation, stabilisation or use of additives unless provided for elsewhere, as specified below.

Treatment and modification of steroids provided that

In class C07, in the absence of an indication to the contrary, a compound is classified in the last appropriate place, i.e. in the last appropriate subclass. For example cyclopenta [a] hydrophenantrenes are classified in subclass C07J as steroids and not in subclasses C07C or C07D as carbocyclic or heterocyclic compounds.

Subclass C07J is a function-oriented entry for the compounds themselves and does not cover the application or use of the compounds under the subclass definition. For classifying such information other entries in the IPC exist, for example:

Subclass A01N: Preservation of bodies of humans or animals or plants or parts thereof; biocides, e.g. as disinfectants, as pesticides, as herbicides; pest repellants or attractants; plant growth regulators.

Subclass A61K: Preparations for medical, dental or toilet purposes.

Multilpe classification :

When a steroid forms a salt, an adduct or a complex with another organic compound, classification is also made in the entry in class C07 for this organic compound.

Biocidal, pest repellant, pest attractant or plant growth regulatory activity of compounds or preparations is further classified in subclass A01P.

Therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or medicinal preparations is further classified in subclass A61P (as secondary classification).

Cosmetic activity of compounds is further classified in subclass A61Q.

In this subclass, in the absence of an indication to the contrary (e.g., C07J 5/00 and C07J 7/00), a compound is classified in the last appropriate place.

Salts of steroids are classified in the groups for these steroids. Metal chelates containing steroids are dealt with in the same way.

However, processes for producing steroid compounds (as defined above) are classified with the symbols for the compound produced (C07J 75/00 is not used), except where the process involves cyclisation of non-steroid compounds (where C07J 75/005 is used)

Compounds where the single carbon atom in position 17 beta is indirectly linked to other carbon atoms, but only via a heteroatom (e.g. where the group in position 17 beta is a carboxy ester group such as: 17 beta-CO2-Me or an amide group such as: 17 beta-C(O)NHMe).

C07J 5/00 takes precedence.

Covers compounds where the atom to which the 17-position is double bonded is a carbon atom either within the ring system of the cyclopenta[a]hydrophenanthrene skeleton or is an exocyclic carbon atom.

The stereochemistry referred to is that of the chiral centres within the cyclopenta[a]hydrophenanthrene ring system. The normal steroid stereochemistry is 8β, 9α, 10β, 13β, 14α and inversion at any of these positions results in this sub-group being relevant, unless the last place rule causes a later sub-group to be relevant (e.g. a 9β-estrone is covered here, but 9β-estrone carrying an amino substituent would be covered by C07J 41/00).

The stereochemistry at position 5 is not relevant in deciding whether or not a compound falls within C07J 13/00.

C07J 41/0055 and C07J 41/0061 cover compounds where there are less than three carbon atoms which are not in a ring, provided that the total number of carbon atoms (in a ring or not) attached to the 17.beta.-position and not separated therefrom by any heteroatom, is at least three.

This subgroup relates to steroid compounds containing elements other than C, H, O, S, N and halogens, in particular B, P, Si including where these heteroatoms are contained in a ring structure which is not condensed or is spiro-condensed to the steroid ring system.

This subgroup also includes steroid compounds which contain chelating groups which are chelated to a metal ion.

C07J 71/0005 is the relevant symbol for spirostane derivatives.

Where the steroid having heteroatoms in one of the rings of the cyclopenta[a]hydrophenanthrene skeleton is prepared by cyclisation of non-steroid starting materials see also C07J 75/005.

Processes for the preparation of steroids involving the cyclisation of non-steroid compounds.

C07J 75/00 is never used, in particular it is not used where the steroid is prepared but not by the cyclisation of non-steroid compounds (the process for the production of steroids not involving this method is classified in C07J 1/00 - C07J 73/00 in the same place as the compound produced). C07J 75/005 is used where the steroid compound is prepared by cyclisation of non-steroid compounds.