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Progesterone

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Identification
Molecular formula
C21H30O2
CAS number
57-83-0
IUPAC name
(5S,8S,9S,10S,13S,17S)-17-acetyl-3-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-11-one
State
State

At room temperature, progesterone is typically a solid in the form of crystals or a crystalline powder.

Melting point (Celsius)
126.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
399.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
428.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
701.15
General information
Molecular weight
314.47g/mol
Molar mass
314.4650g/mol
Density
1.1660g/cm3
Appearence

Progesterone is a white or off-white crystalline powder. It may also appear as white orthorhombic crystals. The compound has no distinct smell, and it has a slight odor at higher concentrations.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (5S,8S,9S,10S,13S,17S)-17-acetyl-3-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-11-one

The solubility of complex organic compounds like (5S,8S,9S,10S,13S,17S)-17-acetyl-3-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-11-one can be influenced by various factors including:

  • Polarity: The presence of hydroxyl (-OH) and acetyl (-C(=O)CH₃) groups suggest a degree of polarity, which may enhance solubility in polar solvents such as water and alcohols.
  • Hydrophobic Regions: The large hydrophobic sections of the molecule due to its hydrocarbon rings can hinder solubility in polar solvents.
  • Temperature: Higher temperatures often increase solubility as kinetic energy disrupts solute-solvent interactions.
  • Concentration: The solubility limit varies, meaning that while a small amount may dissolve, adding more could lead to saturation.

In general, many complex organic compounds exhibit low solubility in water, leading to a notable observation that they tend to be more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, or chloroform.

In summary, while this compound may exhibit some solubility characteristics due to its functional groups, the significant presence of hydrophobic regions may limit its overall solubility, particularly in aqueous environments.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 17-acetyl-3-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-11-one

This complex organic compound is part of a class known as steroids, which play vital roles in biological systems. Below are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Biological Significance: Compounds similar to this one are often found in nature, serving as hormones and playing critical roles in cellular communication and regulation.
  • Synthetic Chemistry: The synthesis of such compounds can involve multiple steps and sophisticated techniques like functional group interconversions, showcasing the ingenuity of organic chemists.
  • Cyclic Structure: The presence of cyclopenta[a]phenanthren indicates a fused ring system, which can significantly affect the chemical properties and reactivity of the molecule.
  • Hydroxyl Groups: The hydroxy (-OH) functionality often contributes to the compound's solubility and biological activity, making it an interesting subject of study in medicinal chemistry.
  • Acetylation: The acetyl group contributes to the stability and reactivity of the compound, which can be critical in biological settings, making this compound intriguing for pharmacological studies.

The structural complexity of this compound not only highlights the beauty of organic chemistry but also raises questions about its potential applications and interactions in various biological systems. As a chemical scientist or student, exploring such compounds opens pathways to groundbreaking discoveries in drug design and development!