Evolution of massive close binaries

X-ray binaries such as Cen X-3, Cyg X-1, Vela X-1, 2U1700-37, SMC X-1, Cir X-1, with periods ranging from 2^d.087 to 12^d.28, are probably evolution products of massive binary systems. The massive primary starts losing mass after core hydrogen burning and undergoes a supernova explosion. The evolution of binary systems consisting of a 20M⊙ primary and secondaries of respectively 14, 10, 8 and 6M⊙ was computed from Main Sequence stage through the X-ray phase, until the second mass transfer phase. Estimates were performed for the evolution of a secondary of 4M⊙. It may be seen that some of these systems during their X-ray phase match the observed mass ratios and periods.