3beta-Hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one is a pregnane steroid carrying a hydroxyl group at position three in the beta configuration, with the A/B ring junction fused in the 5alpha orientation. The compound belongs to the group of neurosteroids and steroid metabolites that serve as important objects of study in endocrinology, neuropharmacology, and hormone metabolism research. In the laboratory it is used as a reference material for steroid metabolite analysis, as a substrate or product in enzymology studies, and as a tool for understanding the differences in biological activity between the three-alpha and three-beta epimers.
The property that makes this compound the preferred choice is its strictly defined stereochemistry at two critical centres, namely position three and position five. A difference in configuration at position three alone already produces a large difference in activity toward certain receptors, so the availability of a pure epimer becomes an absolute requirement for research that demands clarity in structure-activity relationships. The lipophilic steroid framework means the compound dissolves well in organic solvents such as ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide and remains stable as a solid under appropriate storage conditions, which makes it convenient to handle in routine bench work.
In Indonesian laboratories this material is typically found in university and institutional research settings where steroid metabolism, endocrine signalling, and neuropharmacology are studied. It supports analytical work that requires a well-characterised reference standard, and it fits enzymology programmes where a defined pregnane skeleton is needed as a starting point. Its solubility in common organic solvents makes it straightforward to incorporate into stock solutions prepared with equipment already present in most research facilities.
- Steroid metabolite analysis — serves as a reference material against which metabolites separated by chromatographic methods can be identified and confirmed with defined stereochemistry at both centres.
- Enzymology studies — functions as either a substrate or a product in reactions involving steroid-transforming enzymes, giving a structurally defined pregnane framework for measuring conversion.
- Neurosteroid research — belongs to the neurosteroid group, making it directly relevant to investigations of steroid action within neuropharmacology and related signalling studies.
- Structure-activity relationship work — the pure three-beta epimer allows researchers to separate the biological contribution of the three-beta configuration from that of the three-alpha form.
- Hormone metabolism investigations — supports endocrinology programmes examining how pregnane steroids are formed, interconverted, and further processed within metabolic pathways.
| Brand | TCI |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 516-55-2 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Life Science > Biochemicals and Reagents > Steroids |
| Pack sizes | available in the pack sizes listed on this product page |
| Physical form | solid |
| Storage | — |
- Catalogue reference: H1839
- Solubility: soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide
Store the material as a solid under appropriate storage conditions, since it remains stable in this state when correctly kept. Use tightly closed containers that protect the contents from moisture and from prolonged exposure to air, and keep the container clearly labelled with the compound identity and CAS number. Handle the compound in a well-ventilated area or fume hood, wearing gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat as standard practice. When preparing stock solutions in ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide, work with clean glassware and avoid contaminating the bulk material by returning unused portions to the original container. Allow the container to reach ambient temperature before opening to reduce condensation on the solid.
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