11Α,17Α Dihydroxy-Progesterone stands out among steroidal molecules for its dual hydroxylation on the progesterone backbone. This special arrangement on the 11th and 17th alpha positions shapes its use in both research and industrial pathways. Some call it a raw material only for advanced pharmaceutical synthesis, but the field has often tested the possibilities beyond that label. It serves as a substrate or precursor for hormones and corticosteroid analogs—without it, many of the vital next-step molecules in drug manufacturing simply wouldn’t be possible. Production centers from China to Europe source this compound in bulk due to its role as a building block for corticosteroids used in treating allergies and inflammation, and that’s a backbone the medical system counts on in more ways than people might think.
The molecular formula for 11Α,17Α Dihydroxy-Progesterone is C21H30O4. Its backbone structure comes from pregnane, and two hydroxy (OH) groups bond to carbon atoms 11 and 17 in the alpha orientation. You find it most often as fine flakes, crystalline powder, or sometimes as solid granules, never as a simple liquid. The density runs around 1.2 to 1.3 grams per cubic centimeter, enough to recognize by hand-feel in a laboratory scoop. Many labs talk of its white or light beige appearance, but beneath that unremarkable surface sits a molecule built to survive complex reactions. It resists light oxidation at ambient pressures but gives up its stability fast under acidic or basic extremes, meaning safe handling needs dry, cool, and sealed conditions. The melting point hits between 224°C and 232°C, which tells experienced chemists that this isn’t a material you can melt or dissolve without a plan. The poor water solubility keeps it bound to organic solvents and pushes techs to try ethanol or chloroform for dissolution.
The everyday experience with 11Α,17Α Dihydroxy-Progesterone often begins with its texture and state. Bags or vials might contain fine powder, pearly granules, or sometimes small crystals, almost never sticky lumps or oily residues. Researchers and manufacturers measure its grams by weighing out flaky solids, pouring from side to side to avoid loss—the light, airy nature of the powder means airborne dust forms easily, so some treat it with extra caution. Solubility remains extremely low in water, unchanged by temperature swings, and responds best with dimethyl sulfoxide or ethanol, which dissolves it fast enough to keep reaction times short. Density matters in logistics since bulk transport means filling drums or pails so they fit safely without risk of crushing the softer flakes at the bottom of containers.
On the regulatory side, customs classify 11Α,17Α Dihydroxy-Progesterone as a semi-synthetic organic intermediate under the HS Code 2937299090, falling into the umbrella of hormone-related raw materials. This sorting helps authorities monitor international movements for both safety and legal compliance. Trade groups treat it as high-value—rarer than simpler steroids—so labels often list not just the chemical identity, but the storage needs and hazardous handling notes, helping inspectors and shippers recognize it at a glance. Export controls exist because certain jurisdictions require precursor tracking, not only for drug safety but to prevent misuse in grey-market supply chains.
Manufacturers and end-users can’t ignore safety measures with 11Α,17Α Dihydroxy-Progesterone. Even small exposures—handled carelessly—can cause skin or eye irritation. Spillage creates fine dust, and inhaling it by accident leads to issues, particularly for workers dealing with large batches or repeat handling. Gloves, dust masks, and ventilated workspaces make a difference; like every experienced chemist, I trust personal protective equipment not as a suggestion but a requirement. Short-term storage works fine at room temperature if humidity stays low, but long-term reliability lives in desiccated coolers, well away from sunlight and acidic fumes. Every material safety data sheet calls this substance “harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin,” a warning borne out of old lab mishaps and newer toxicology reports. Responsible stewardship involves strict training and clear labeling wherever this raw material moves or sits on a shelf.
Raw material status gives this steroid its supply chain muscle, especially across pharmaceutical outsourcing, contract manufacturing, and research-scale steroid synthesis. Factories buy it by the kilogram to run it through further enzymatic or synthetic steps, leading to finished corticosteroids that find their way into medicines for asthma, arthritis, or autoimmune conditions. The pipeline wouldn’t stay full without 11Α,17Α Dihydroxy-Progesterone at the start—stories from inside process R&D units back this up, where every purity check and solvent wash feels personal. Even when newer materials threaten to edge it out, pharmaceutical firms return to this reliable building block for its reactivity and predictable byproduct profile. Industrial users measure and check its purity via HPLC, confirming there’s nothing in the mix that will throw off downstream chemical transformations.
Working with this chemistry over the years, I have seen both recurring challenges and stepwise improvements in safety practice and supply ethics. Some laboratories and production outfits invest in closed-system technologies and new filtration methods to reduce dust exposure and chemical loss. Large-scale manufacturing now relies less on manual handling, turning to automated weighing and transfer. In recent years, pressure has grown on suppliers to reduce solvent use and transition toward greener, less volatile compounds for dissolution. Procurement teams watch for certification on the production line—looking for proof that environmental impact and worker safety count, not just yield per kilo. Certifications or batch reporting, once rare, now make up standard documentation for buyers who want to align raw material sourcing with global best practices.
11Α,17Α Dihydroxy-Progesterone draws attention for very specific reasons. Its chemical formula, high melting point, and strict need for dry, cold storage turn up in every material spec sheet. Its state as a solid—almost always flakes or crystalline powder—means traditional handling methods aren’t good enough in settings where quality controls must stand up to audit. Hazards come with every package, whether through spillage, dust formation, or accidental ingestion, and every handler learns the value of responsible measures, protective gear, and clear recordkeeping. It’s a lynchpin raw material in the corticosteroid supply chain, backed up by decades of research and market use, and earns its place in catalogs for the reliability that scientists and manufacturers have leaned on for years.
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