4-Pregnene-3,20-Dione often comes up under more familiar names like progesterone, showing up in industries from pharmaceuticals to research. At room temperature, you see this compound as white or almost white, sometimes off-white, taking the form of tiny crystals or powder. Its chemical formula, C21H30O2, gives it a molecular weight of roughly 314.47 g/mol. Most manufacturers list a purity of 98% or higher, making it suitable for both industrial and academic work. Density sits near 1.16 g/cm³, a useful spec when measuring or mixing for larger batches. Every label also comes stamped with a CAS Number, 57-83-0, flagging it for regulatory tracking. Globally, trading relies on its HS Code, generally 29372900, which falls under steroidal hormones.
You won’t find 4-Pregnene-3,20-Dione dissolving in water—hydrophobicity sets the ground rules here. Melt it, and the temperature climbs up to about 126–131℃, which means it manages stable storage under normal warehouse conditions. In the lab, most reach for ethanol, methanol, acetone, or chloroform to make a solution, since solubility improves drastically in those solvents. Handling powder and crystals always requires gloves and dust control, especially when scaling up. The material grains often come as fine powder, but sometimes the crystals form flakes or even small pearls, especially in higher-purity, large-batch syntheses. Its solid consistency means you won’t spot it as a liquid at ambient pressure.
This molecule belongs to the steroid family, with four fused carbon rings that create the signature backbone. Double bonds and two ketone groups at the 3 and 20 positions lay the foundation for activity in biological environments. Chemists often use this backbone to either synthesize more complex hormones or to modify for analog development. Its C21-based framework explains its rigid, flake-like crystal structure and accounts for why it stays solid under regular shipping and storage. The chemical makes up part of a core toolkit for organic synthesis, animal studies, and multi-step pharmaceutical processes around the world.
You’ll want to keep moisture and exposure to air at a minimum, since progesterone can degrade slowly with light or humidity. Most suppliers package this material in sealed glass or thick plastic, clearly labeling hazard designations. It can be irritating if inhaled or if it lingers on skin, not just for those working hands-on but even for workers in packaging and logistics. On shipping paperwork, expect both the CAS and HS codes, hazard pictograms, and bulk density. Whether it ships as flake, powder, or larger crystalline pearls, it’s always a solid—never a liquid or solution at room temperature. Material safety data lists a low combustibility, but plenty of precautions stem from its bioactivity. A teaspoon of pure powder contains a significant dose, so bulk handling always combines good ventilation with protective clothing.
Biological activity is at the core of its reputation as a substance to handle with care. Progesterone counts as a hazardous chemical in high exposures, especially in workplaces where environmental controls lack strictness. Workers can develop contact dermatitis, and inhalation leads to respiratory discomfort. Very high doses act as an endocrine disruptor and come with reproductive risks, calling for dedicated storage and record-keeping. Luckily, most modern suppliers flag these risks clearly, and most operations lock down strict access protocols. This isn’t a household chemical—it’s not for casual use or open shelving. Material data safety sheets always recommend gloves, masks, and well-labeled secondary containers to minimize harmful exposure.
Customs and importers worldwide flag 4-Pregnene-3,20-Dione with the HS Code 29372900. You’ll spot that code in customs databases and on all bills of lading, letting authorities trace the product as a steroidal hormone. Since the powder or flakes pack tightly, density calculations matter when maximizing shipments. Most guidelines recommend storage in a cool, dry place, locked away from both high heat and sunlight. Bulk drums or jars get packed with moisture-absorbing desiccants. Any transport company works with the understanding that this is a controlled raw material both because of its physical properties and its regulatory status.
This chemical’s long history in the pharmaceutical world tracks with its core biological role. From birth control pills to hormone therapies, from research on animal models to low-scale custom syntheses, 4-Pregnene-3,20-Dione never really leaves the global chemistry conversation. Factories turn to it as a raw material for semi-synthetic steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and experimental molecules for testing. Academic labs use high-purity crystals in assays, while chemical engineers value the predictable density and straightforward structure during scale-up. Buyers want detailed certificates of analysis, not just to make sure of quality but also because they face strict audits and batch tracking. Its solid-state forms—powder, flakes, pearls—show up right off the production line, skipping liquid handling and making clean-up far less complicated.
Workplaces looking to avoid accidents post bold signage, train workers on proper handling, and separate storage areas for biologically active chemicals. Sourcing from trusted manufacturers, keeping tight batch records, and running regular staff training all serve as practical, concrete steps that go beyond paperwork. Adding fume hoods, well-ventilated workspaces, and rapid response for spills can help keep chemical hazards down for both short- and long-term users. At every step—receiving, storage, weighing, use, and disposal—it pays off to layer each precaution from the ground up, since even experts can lose track when protocols lag. Following best practices in logistics and regulatory compliance turns safe handling from a paperwork headache into a real-world workplace habit.
