Conformational analysis of synthetic androgens. IV. 1,2-seco-a-bisnor-5 alpha-androstan-17 beta-ol acetate.

The crystal and molecular structure of 1,2-seco-A-bisnor-5 alpha-androstan-17beta-ol acetate has been determined to evaluated the conformational importance of the intact steroid nucleus. The resulting tricyclic compound retains nearly the same steric profile for the remainder of the molecule when compared to the structures of dihydrotestosterone derivatives with intact A-rings. This may help to explain why these types of molecules retain a significant level of androgenic activity.