Steroid Synthesis Chemical Reaction Diagram

This detailed diagram illustrates the multi-step chemical synthesis of progesterone and its derivatives, beginning with the natural steroidal sapogenin, diosgenin. The initial sequence involves the crucial Marker degradation, where diosgenin is first acetylated, then subjected to chromic acid oxidation, and finally treated with acetic acid to cleave its spiroketal side chain, yielding a 16-dehydropregnenolone acetate intermediate. Subsequently, this intermediate is transformed into progesterone through a sequence involving selective hydrogenation, hydrolysis of the acetate, and oxidation with concurrent double bond migration. The pathway concludes with the hydrogenation of progesterone, resulting in a saturated steroid derivative. This series of reactions is fundamental in the historical production of various steroid hormones.

steroid synthesis - diosgenin - progesterone - marker degradation - organic chemistry - chemical reactions - pharmaceutical chemistry