A process for preparing a C3 protected form of a 17??-hydroxy steroid of the formula ##STR72## which comprises (1) contacting a steroid selected from the group consisting of a C3 protected form of a 21-halo enimide of the formula ##STR73## or a C3 protected 21-halo-??20 -enamide of the formula ##STR74## with an (aqueous) acid where R6 is a hydrogen or fluorine atom or methyl group;R9 is nothing, a