Abstract Replacement of the characteristic dihydroxyacetone side chain of corticolds by a 17α-alkynyl-17β-hydroxy moiety was investigated. It was found that, in particular, the 17α- propynyl substitution is favorable for high local anti-inflammatory activity with reduced systemic effects. Moreover, these compounds were found to be devoid of any affinity for the aldosterone receptor, and may thus be considered as pure glucocorti-coids.