X-ray structure analysis of steroid hormones of the pregnane series, C23H36O3, C26H38O6, C27H40O6, and C32H42O6

The results of x-ray structure analysis of four steroid hormones of the pregnane series, the representatives of a new class of cardiotonics, were analyzed, and the three-dimensional structures of the molecules were correlated with their biological activities. It was suggested that the composition and the mutual arrangement of oxygen radicals in the side chains of steroid molecules substantially change their activity. In two structures, intermolecular hydrogen bonds were established