10A-Isopregnenone stands as a notable organic compound within the world of specialty raw materials. Its chemical identity lies under the molecular formula C21H28O2, pointing directly to a steroidal scaffold shaped with careful precision. This compound features a unique arrangement, including a ketone at the 3-position and a double bond configuration distinct from many related molecules. These small shifts in atomic arrangement set the stage for the wide range of uses in research, chemical synthesis, and specialty ingredient preparation.
In terms of appearance, 10A-Isopregnenone typically forms as solid crystalline flakes, though powder and fine pearl-like granules surface depending on the production method. Clear, white coloration marks the purest samples, while minor off-white hints sometimes betray residual impurities. Density makes itself known at about 1.07 g/cm3, close to common organic steroids but slightly less than some halogenated derivatives. This density determines much of its handling requirements during transportation and storage, so understanding it reduces spillage and allows better mixing in multi-component tablets or solutions.
Molecular analysis reveals a four-ring core familiar to steroid chemists, made rigid by hydrogen and methyl attachments at key positions. Bonds hold tight throughout most of the backbone, with notable flexibility in the side chains, allowing functionalization by skilled chemists. A carbonyl group hangs at the third carbon, a spot often altered in downstream pharmaceutical synthesis. Formula C21H28O2 stays in step with other synthetic steroids used for hormone analog research. In raw material state, the compound resists easy dissolution in water, but readily mixes with ethanol, acetone, and other common organic solvents, simplifying preparation of standard solutions for analytical or preparative work.
Chemists in pharmaceutical development reach for 10A-Isopregnenone when they need a robust building block for hormone research. Its rigid structure supports modification, letting scientists tweak molecules for activity as anti-inflammatory agents, hormone analogs, or intermediates in vitamin D synthesis. Laboratories deploy it as a reference in quality control, where its sharp melting point and stable structure offer confidence in calibration. In more advanced settings, it also sees use as a chemical probe: attaching small groups to the core helps map steroid-binding proteins or test new diagnostics.
Handling this compound calls for respect: solid 10A-Isopregnenone won’t explode or ignite easily, but dust inhalation and skin contact can cause irritation. Inhalation in poorly ventilated spaces leads to headache, dryness, or mild nausea, signs that signal the need for better controls. Eye contact should be avoided, since the crystalline texture can scratch corneal surfaces, raising the risk of infection if particles linger. Chemical safety data points toward minimal acute toxicity in small lab-scale exposure, but gloves and goggles remain mandatory in any setting. Disposal routes funnel spent materials through certified chemical waste, as environmental toxicity over time hasn’t been fully ruled out.
For those shipping 10A-Isopregnenone across borders, customs paperwork requests the HS Code 2937.29, a category reserved for steroidal structures not fitting the ring patterns of common hormones. This code speeds up import approvals and indicates to authorities where any control measures might come into play. The code streamlines transactions between raw material producers in Asia, specialty pharma facilities in Europe, and end users in the Americas who demand high purity reagents at scale.
Whether supplied as flakes, solid chunks, fine powder, or smooth pearls, 10A-Isopregnenone stores best in air-tight, light-blocking containers. Exposure to humidity turns the compound sticky, while hot environments risk melting and degrading purity. Industrial warehouses stock the raw material in drums lined with inert plastic to cut down risk of oxidation. Refrigeration at 2–8°C extends shelf life and helps maintain structural integrity, which matters when producing pharmaceutical intermediates in bulk. Laboratories buying smaller batches may opt for amber jars lined with polytetrafluoroethylene, blocking UV exposure and chemical leaching from container walls.
10A-Isopregnenone plays a quiet but vital role in research and industrial chemistry. Its very existence makes several critical downstream products possible, especially where custom steroids or vitamin analogs hold importance for public health. The clear documentation of its properties and safe handling sets a baseline standard, supporting both consistent product quality and fundamental chemical safety for everyone in the supply chain. Ongoing work to better characterize long-term risks, environmental impacts, and alternative synthesis methods will shape the future of materials like this, giving both researchers and workers in raw materials production a safer, more reliable toolkit.