Norgestrel

• CAT Number: R007238
• CAS Number: 6533-00-2
• Molecular Formula: C21H28O2
• Molecular Weight: 312.5
• Purity: ≥95%
• Synonyms: (17α)-(+/-)-13-Ethyl-17-hydroxy-18,19-dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one;?(+/-)-13-Ethyl-17α-ethynyl-17-hydroxygon-4-en-3-one; (+/-)-Norgestrel; DL-Norgestrel; FH 122A; Methylnorethindrone; Monovar; Neogest; Ovrette; Postinor; SH 70850; SH 850; Wy 3707; ?
• Storage: -20°C
• InChIKey: WWYNJERNGUHSAO-XZCODKSBSA-N

Progesterone is a steroid secreted by the corpus luteum and placenta. It is responsible for preparing the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized ovum and to maintain pregnancy. Norgestrel, a synthetic progesterone (Item No. <span class/itemid/=//>15876) analog (i.e., a progestin), is a racemic mixture of which levonorgestrel (Item No. <span class/itemid/=//>10006318) is the biologically active component. Levonorgestrel prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation and by causing the cervical mucous to thicken, which makes it harder for sperm to move toward the uterus. Levonorgestrel exhibits approximately three-times higher binding affinity than progesterone for the progesterone receptor. A dose of approximately 60 µg is sufficient to prevent ovulation and a therapeutic dose of 0.15-0.5 mg is used in hormone replacement therapy, which is about 1,000-times lower than the progesterone dose. A USP-approved grade of norgestrel is formulated in combination with ethynyl estradiol and provided under the trade name Orvette® for use as an oral contraceptive.