17.alpha.-hyroxy- and 17a.alpha.-hydroxy-D-homoetiocarboxylic acids of the formula ##STR1## wherein n is 1 or 2,A is ##STR2## and R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3are prepared by hydrating the corresponding 17-nitriles with a mixture of a lower carboxylic acid and its anhydride in the presence of perchloric acid. The resultant 17.beta.-N-acylcarboxamide is then treated with an alkali metal hydroxide in a polyhydric alcohol at an elevated temperature. The product acids are intermediates, e.g., for the production of steroids having antiinflammatory activity.