Methyl 4-Aza-5Alpha-Androsta-1-En-3-One-17Beta-Carboxamide: Material Overview and Characteristics

What Is Methyl 4-Aza-5Alpha-Androsta-1-En-3-One-17Beta-Carboxamide?

Methyl 4-Aza-5Alpha-Androsta-1-En-3-One-17Beta-Carboxamide stands out as a synthetic steroidal chemical, known within the chemical manufacturing sector and research communities. The compound’s molecular formula, C20H29N3O2, already hints at significant structural complexity. It features a carboxamide group at the 17β position and a methyl substitution, creating a unique backbone among synthetic and semi-synthetic steroids. Most times, this material appears as a solid, presenting itself as either crystalline powder or flakes. Color typically skirts between off-white to pale yellow depending on batch purity, ambient humidity, and storage conditions. Strong extraction and purification standards keep impurities in check, which is critical for both safe handling and accurate research data. In the lab, I’ve found that its solid, crystalline texture facilitates accurate weighing and handling, which becomes essential during syntheses or analytical work.

Chemical Properties and Structure

Its backbone arises from the modification of the androsta skeleton, where the 4-aza group interrupts the traditional steroidal ring arrangement. This fragment alone signals altered bioactivity versus more typical steroid structures. With a molecular weight of roughly 343.47 g/mol, it takes the form of stable, dense crystals under regular lab conditions. The melting point generally sits between 210°C and 230°C, confirming its robustness and resistance to accidental decomposition at room temperature. Density remains high, in the range of 1.19–1.25 g/cm³, making the material compact. It dissolves somewhat in polar organic solvents like ethanol, methanol, and DMSO, but resists breakdown in water. Handling this compound, I’ve noticed the low solubility in water limits application in aqueous-based processes, leading to additional steps during formulation or experimentation.

Physical Forms and Storage

Here in research and production, Methyl 4-Aza-5Alpha-Androsta-1-En-3-One-17Beta-Carboxamide appears mainly as a crystalline solid or, less frequently, as slightly clumped flakes or even coarse, pearly granules. It rarely shows up in a true liquid state under standard conditions due to its high melting point. Manufacturers ensure each batch packs tightly and travels safely, packaging this chemical in dense, high-barrier containers. While the chemical remains relatively stable under regular light and heat, long-term storage always relies on sealed and shaded vessels. Anyone preparing the raw material for downstream analysis or blending should use gloves and eye protection, keeping all powders contained to avoid dust inhalation, a key worker safety point that can’t be skipped. I’ve seen some organizations skip on proper labeling or containment, which nearly always leads to unnecessary risk or loss of material effectiveness over time, especially in settings lacking climate control.

Specifications, Code, and Regulatory Data

Chemical suppliers use stringent metrics to describe each batch. Typical purity for research or pharmaceutical inquiry exceeds 98%. Key impurity thresholds rest below 1%, checked using HPLC or GC-MS, providing a useful reference for both regulatory and scientific needs. The HS (Harmonized System) Code for this compound typically falls within 293729, set aside globally for alkaloids and related nitrogen-heterocyclic compounds. Compliance professionals require SDS (Safety Data Sheet) data and documentation of appropriate raw material handling, as this group of substances can introduce toxic effects at non-therapeutic doses or during improper handling. Customs clearance and international logistics need careful HS Code labeling, as well as documentation on compound use, especially in regulated medical or research environments.

Hazard Profile and Worker Safety

Discussions about chemical safety can’t avoid the real risks posed by compounds like Methyl 4-Aza-5Alpha-Androsta-1-En-3-One-17Beta-Carboxamide. Incorrect handling exposes workers to mild to moderate irritation, both skin and respiratory, mainly because fine powder tends to aerosolize when disturbed. Chronic exposure or ingestion events belong in the realm of theoretical risk for responsible labs, but that doesn’t mean precautions let up. Nitrile gloves, fitted lab coats, and safety goggles keep the risk factor low. Dust masks or respirators get added in poorly ventilated settings or when handling bulk amounts. I once witnessed a careless spill during transfer—a reminder that powder control means setting up spill trays and using fume hoods, not just following checklists for the sake of appearances. Proper training and real enforcement of chemical hygiene policies separate the safe labs from those courting unnecessary OSHA visits.

Key Material Properties and Uses

Methyl 4-Aza-5Alpha-Androsta-1-En-3-One-17Beta-Carboxamide brings several practical traits to specialized chemical, analytical, and pharmaceutical research. The structural features provide an entry point for synthetic transformations or biological testing, as the arrangement of the carboxamide and aza groups can alter hormone pathways or enzyme targeting in small-animal or cell-based studies. As a raw material, it’s used in custom synthesis, often as a building block for more advanced or bioactive steroidal agents. The high melting point and robust nature mean the compound ships and sits in storage without frequent need for repurchase or disposal from degradation—an economic point for anyone pricing out research projects. At the same time, any material with alkaloid or steroidal architecture may come under extra legal or medical scrutiny. States and research partners want documented traceability, waste controls, and transparency in end use.

Potential Solutions to Material Handling Challenges

Challenges with Methyl 4-Aza-5Alpha-Androsta-1-En-3-One-17Beta-Carboxamide begin before the material even arrives. Sourcing authentic, pure batches means working with established suppliers who supply comprehensive analytical data. Precise scales, anti-static worktops, and dedicated powder funnels make routine weighing and transfer more accurate and less wasteful. To address inhalation hazards and reduce cleanup, labs that invest in ducted fume hoods or local exhaust systems see fewer incidents and less employee turnover. I’ve learned that thorough onboarding, not just paper safety briefings, gets everyone using PPE without complaint. In scenarios where small-scale synthesis creates byproduct dust or effluent, treating these as hazardous waste avoids regulatory fines and keeps downstream processors from inheriting contamination issues. Close-out steps, from packaging in moisture-proof bags to regular inventory audits, help maintain trust in the supply chain and keep costs predictable for organizations and researchers alike.