Analogs of 7 alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one were prepared to ascertain structural features necessary for maximal activity of hepatic microsomal 12 alpha-steroid hydroxylase. Methyl 3 alpha,7 alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholane-24-carboxylate derived from chenodeoxycholic acid was oxidized at C-3 with silver carbonate/Celite. The product was hydrolyzed and dehydrogenated with SeO2 to provide 3-oxo-7 alpha-hydroxy-4-cholene-24-carboxylic acid. 5 beta-Cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,25-triol and 5 beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,25-tetrol were similarly oxidized at C-3 and dehydrogenated to provide 7 alpha,25-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one and 7 alpha,12 alpha,25-trihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, respectively. The products were characterized by thin-layer and gas chromatography, ultraviolet, infrared, proton resonance and mass spectrometry.