Androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione
[CAS# 897-06-3]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Hormone and endocrine-regulating drugs
• Name: Androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione
• Synonyms: Androstadienedione; 1,4-Androstadien-3,17-dione
• Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₂₄O₂
• Molecular Weight: 284.39
• CAS Registry Number: 897-06-3
• EC Number: 212-977-2
• SMILES: C[C@]12CC[C@H]3[C@H]([C@@H]1CCC2=O)CCC4=CC(=O)C=C[C@]34C

Properties

• Melting point: 141 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS08 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H351-H361-H362-H373-H412
• Safety Statements: P203-P260-P263-P264-P270-P273-P280-P301+P317-P318-P319-P330-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	2	H351
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Reproductive toxicity	Lact.	-	H362
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1A	H360
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411

• Controlled Substance: DEA Drug Code Number: 4000

Discovery and Applications

Androst-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, commonly referred to as ADD or 1,4-androstadiene-3,17-dione, is a steroidal compound first discovered in the 1950s during research exploring steroid metabolism and synthesis. Researchers focused on understanding the biosynthesis of various steroid hormones, which led to the isolation of ADD as an intermediate in steroidogenesis.

Androst-1,4-diene-3,17-dione is a 19-carbon steroid with a keto group at both positions 3 and 17 and double bonds between carbons 1 and 2 and 4 and 5. Appearance is a white to off-white crystalline powder. Melting point 165-169°C.

ADD is a precursor to anabolic steroids such as boldenone and its derivatives. Its chemical structure facilitates conversion into a potent anabolic agent that promotes muscle growth and improves athletic performance. In certain formulations, ADD is used as a precursor that can be metabolized to testosterone to increase testosterone levels and aid in muscle mass development and recovery.

ADD is used in steroidogenesis studies to explore pathways for steroid hormone biosynthesis. Understanding its effects helps to elucidate the mechanisms of hormone production and regulation in the body.

In hormone therapy, ADD is studied intensively for its potential to block estrogen production. By inhibiting aromatase, it can reduce the conversion of androgens to estrogens, which can be beneficial in treating diseases such as estrogen-sensitive cancers.

ADD is used as a biomarker in metabolic studies to monitor the synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones. Its levels can indicate changes in endocrine function, providing insight into various metabolic disorders.

ADD is popular with bodybuilders and other athletes for its role in promoting anabolic processes to increase muscle mass and strength. Its conversion to anabolic steroids provides an advantage in competitive sports.

As a dietary supplement, ADD is used in formulations to enhance physical performance and muscle development. These products are often targeted at fitness enthusiasts seeking to improve their physique.

In sports doping testing, ADD is used to detect anabolic steroid use. Its detection provides evidence of the use of performance-enhancing drugs, which is essential to maintaining fair competition.

In forensic science, ADD is used to analyze illegal steroid use in a variety of contexts, including sporting events and legal investigations.

ADD is used to synthesize new steroid drugs with potential therapeutic applications. Its structure can serve as a template for the development of compounds that modulate hormone activity to treat disease.

Ongoing clinical studies explore the therapeutic potential of ADD and its derivatives in the treatment of hormone-related diseases such as hypogonadism and certain cancers.

References

2023. Bioconversion of Phytosterols into Androstenedione by Mycolicibacterium. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 2704.
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3385-4_15

2023. Scale-Up of Phytosterols Bioconversion into Androstenedione. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 2704.
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3385-4_14

2023. Current Trends and Perspectives in Microbial Bioconversions of Steroids. Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 2704.
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3385-4_1