PROGESTATIONAL ACTIVITY OF 6α-METHYL-17α-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE ACETATE

Abstract

New steroids endowed with progestational activity should possess the following properties: 1) high oral activity; 2) biological effects qualitatively similar to those of progesterone; 3) absence of secondary endocrine effects; 4) low toxicity; 5) low cost. Among the new steroids synthetized in this laboratory, we have chosen 6α-methyl-17α-hydroxyprogesterone acetate for a thorough study, since it has the above mentioned properties more than any other compound.** White, cristalline powder, insoluble in water, soluble in chloroform, acetone, slightly soluble in ether, benzene. * Presented at the 3rd Acta Endocrinologica Congress, Leiden, June 16th–19th, 1958. **6α-Methyl-17α-hydroxyprogesterone acetate has been prepared by dr. R. Modelli and dr. B. Patelli. Empirical formula : C24H34O4 Molecular weight : 386,51 Melting point : 203–205° Rotatory power in chloroform (a) 20°D = + 60°. Absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet = λEtOH max 241 mμ;= 15.760.