Synthesis and topical antiinflammatory potencies of a series of 6-keto- and delta 6-6-acyloxybetamethasone derivatives.

6-keto- and delta 6-6-acyloxybetamethasone esters were synthesized, and tested for topical antiinflammatory potency using a modification of the Tonelli croton ear assay. The introduction of a 6-keto group generally led to retention of topical antiinflammatory potencies when compared to the corresponding 6-desoxycorticoids. In contrast, introduction of the delta 6-6-acyloxy moiety into betamethasone 17,21-dipropionate reduced antiinflammatory potency.