Chapter 23, Problem 11PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The chemical property and the process through which estrogens and androgens are separated need to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

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Estrogens and androgens are hormonal steroids. Steroids are a group of compounds that are obtained from lipids of plants and animals. Biologically, important steroids include male and female sex hormones, vitamins, and bile acids.

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Estrogens are a primary female sex hormone. The three main endogenous estrogen hormones are estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Estrone is a weak estrogen steroid and has a relatively minor hormonal function, while estradiol is a major female sex hormone.

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Androgens are the primary male sex hormones. Androsterone, a secondary male sex hormone, is an endogenous steroid hormone. It is a weak androgen with a molecular formula of.

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Estrogens, because of the presence of phenolic groups, react with aqueous NaOH.

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Androgens do not react with NaOH because of the absence of functional phenolic moieties in their structures.