The invention relates to new types of modulators of the cold menthol receptor TRPM8, to methods of modulating the TRPM8 receptor using these modulators; and in particular the use of the modulators for inducing a sensation of coldness; and also the articles and compositions produced using these modulators.

Compounds having the formula

##STR00001##

or solvates of the compounds can be used as intermediates in the preparation of the synthetic steroids, Etonogestrel and Desogestrel, as well as other pharmaceutically active agents.

The invention relates to new types of modulators of the cold menthol receptor TRPM8, to methods of modulating the TRPM8 receptor using these modulators; and in particular the use of the modulators for inducing a sensation of coldness; and also the articles and compositions produced using these modulators.

A process for the preparation of 11-methylene steroids from di-keto steroids involves selective olefination of the ketone at position 11 of the di-keto steroids. The resulting 11-methylene steroid products can be used as intermediates in the preparation of the synthetic steroids, Etonogestrel and Desogestrel, as well as other pharmaceutically active agents.

The invention relates to new types of modulators of the cold menthol receptor TRPM8, to methods of modulating the TRPM8 receptor using these modulators; and in particular the use of the modulators for inducing a sensation of coldness; and also the articles and compositions produced using these modulators.

The invention relates to new types of modulators of the cold menthol receptor TRPM8, to methods of modulating the TRPM8 receptor using these modulators; and in particular the use of the modulators for inducing a sensation of coldness; and also the articles and compositions produced using these modulators.

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 11-methylene steroids through selective olefination of the ketone at position 11. The resulting products are useful intermediates in the preparation of several pharmaceutically active agents, such as Etonogestrel and Desogestrel.

Compounds having the formula ##STR00001##
or solvates of the compounds can be used as intermediates in the preparation of the synthetic steroids, Etonogestrel and Desogestrel, as well as other pharmaceutically active agents.