5alpha-Androst-16-en-3-one

Synonym(s):16-(5α)Androsten-3-one;3-Keto-5α,16-androstene;Androstenone

CAS NO.：18339-16-7
Empirical Formula: C19H28O
Molecular Weight: 272.42
MDL number: MFCD00010479
EINECS: 242-220-1
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-09-12 18:48:41

What is 5alpha-Androst-16-en-3-one?

The Uses of 5alpha-Androst-16-en-3-one

5α-Androst-16-en-3-one is a mammalian pheromone released as a volatile chemical cue in boar saliva to facilitate social and sexual interactions. It has been used to prime sexual behavior of sows in estrus for mating or artificial insemination. 5α-androst-16-en-3-one is also found in human sweat and urine and has been used to study receptor-mediated odorant detection and the genetic basis for anosmias.

The Uses of 5alpha-Androst-16-en-3-one

5α-Androst-16-en-3-one has been used:

to quantify its concentration in various fat tissues
to study its trigeminal percept and implications on the rate of specific anosmia
to study the effects of immunocastration on meat quality and sensory properties of pork bellies

What are the applications of Application

5α-Androst-16-en-3-one is a mammalian pheromone

Definition

ChEBI: 5alpha-androst-16-en-3-one is an androstanoid that is 5alpha-androst-16-ene substituted by an oxo group at position 3. It is a steroid pheromone found in high concentrations in the saliva of male pigs,. It has a role as a pheromone and a mammalian metabolite. It is a 3-oxo steroid and an androstanoid. It derives from a hydride of a 5alpha-androst-16-ene.

General Description

5α-Androst-16-en-3-one (androstenone) is a mammalian pheromone found in boar saliva, human sweat, and human urine.

Properties of 5alpha-Androst-16-en-3-one

Melting point:	140-145 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	371.6±42.0 °C(Predicted)
Density	1.032±0.06 g/cm3(Predicted)
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	Chloroform (Slightly), Methanol (Slightly, Heated)
form	Solid
color	White to Off-White
CAS DataBase Reference	18339-16-7(CAS DataBase Reference)