Process for 3-amino-steroid preparation

A process for the preparation of 3-amino-steroids of the formula ##STR10## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of ##STR11## and the wavy lines indicate that the substituents may be in the .alpha.- or .beta.-position and their non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts comprising transforming a compound of the formula ##STR12## wherein the wavy line has the above definition into the corresponding azide of the formula ##STR13## wherein the 3-azide group is inverted to the position of 3-hydroxyl group of formula II, reducing the latter to the 3-amino compound of the formula with the same configuration ##STR14## subjecting the latter to hydration to obtain the corresponding compound of formula I wherein X is ##STR15## which may be isolated and salified if desired, and optionally reacting the latter with an oxidation agent to obtain the corresponding compound of formula I wherein X is ##STR16## which may be isolated and salified, if desired.