**Pregnane-3,20-dione: Product Overview**
**Definition:**
Pregnane-3,20-dione is a steroid compound characterized by a pregnane skeleton with ketone groups at the 3rd and 20th positions. It is a key intermediate in steroid hormone synthesis and metabolism.
**Function:**
This compound plays a crucial role as a precursor in the biosynthesis of various steroid hormones, including progesterone and corticosteroids. Its structure allows for further chemical modifications to create biologically active molecules.
**Applications:**
- **Pharmaceutical Research:** Used in the development of hormone-based therapies and steroid drugs.
- **Biochemical Studies:** Essential for studying steroid metabolism and enzymatic pathways.
- **Chemical Synthesis:** Serves as a building block for producing complex steroid derivatives.