CompoundList
Sign in
Analgesics and anti-inflammatories

Cortisol

Also known as hydrocortisone, Acticort, Cetacort

CAS 50-23-7Formula C21H30O5Molar mass 362.47 g/molEC 200-020-1
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Serious health hazard 165 suppliers listed Drug substance
Get quotes Compare 165 suppliers
Cortisol chemical structure, C21H30O5, CAS 50-23-7
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Plates from alc or iso-propyl alc
Melting point
217 to 220
Solubility
Amorphous, hygroscopic, white powder. Mp 169.0-171.2 °C. Solubility in water: approx 500…
HS code
293721
Category
Analgesics and anti-inflammatories
Illustrative photo, 25 kg white woven sacks of powder on a pallet in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Cortisol?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Cortisol is a 17alpha-hydroxy-C21-steroid that is pregn-4-ene substituted by oxo groups at positions 3 and 20 and hydroxy groups at positions 11, 17 and 21. Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone or glucocorticoid produced by zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, which is a part of the adrenal gland. It is usually referred to as the "stress hormone" as it is involved in response to stress and anxiety, controlled by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). It increases blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduces immune responses. It has a role as an anti-inflammatory drug, an anti-asthmatic drug, an anti-allergic agent, a mouse metabolite, a human metabolite and a drug allergen. It is a 17alpha-hydroxy-C21-steroid, a primary alpha-hydroxy ketone, a tertiary alpha-hydroxy ketone, a glucocorticoid, a 21-hydroxy steroid, an 11beta-hydroxy steroid, a 20-oxo steroid and a 3-oxo-Delta(4) steroid. It derives from a hydride of a pregnane.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones, when used as a medication.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(8S,9S,10R,11S,13S,14S,17R)-11,17-dihydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13-dimethyl-2,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
CAS number
50-23-7 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-020-1
Molecular formula
C21H30O5
UNII
WI4X0X7BPJ
MDL number
MFCD00011654
InChIKey
JYGXADMDTFJGBT-VWUMJDOOSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C21H30O5/c1-19-7-5-13(23)9-12(19)3-4-14-15-6-8-21(26,17(25)11-22)20(15,2)10-16(24)18(14)19/h9,14-16,18,22,24,26H,3-8,10-11H2,1-2H3/t14-,15-,16-,18+,19-,20-,21-/m0/s1
Canonical SMILES
CC12CCC(=O)C=C1CCC1C2C(O)CC2(C)C1CCC2(O)C(=O)CO
Isomeric SMILES
C[C@]12CCC(=O)C=C1CC[C@@H]3[C@@H]2[C@H](C[C@]4([C@H]3CC[C@@]4(C(=O)CO)O)C)O

Synonyms

  • hydrocortisone
  • Acticort
  • Cetacort
  • Hydrocortisyl
  • Cobadex
  • Hytone
  • Cortenema
  • Dermacort
  • Proctocort
  • Tarcortin
  • Cort-Dome
  • Efcorbin
  • Hycortol
  • Signef
  • Hytone lotion
  • Scheroson F
  • Incortin-H
  • Kendall's compound F
  • Alacort
  • Corticreme
  • Cremesone
  • Eldecort
  • Epicort
  • Otosone-F
  • Penecort
Show all 39 synonyms
  • 17-Hydroxycorticosterone
  • Dihydrocostisone
  • Hidro-Colisona
  • Ala-Scalp
  • Epiderm H
  • Aeroseb-HC
  • Maintasone
  • Nutracort
  • Reichstein's substance M
  • Synacort
  • Ala-Cort
  • Anflam
  • Dioderm
  • Hydrocorticosterone

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Plates from alc or iso-propyl alcexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Taste
Bitter tasteexp.
Melting point
217 to 220exp.
Solubility
Amorphous, hygroscopic, white powder. Mp 169.0-171.2 °C. Solubility in water: approx 500 mg/mL. Similarly soluble in methanol, ethanol,, sparingly soluble in chloroform. /21-Sodium succinate/exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
362.47 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
362.2093 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.78calc.
Topological polar surface area
94.83 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
3calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
5calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
26calc.
Rings
4calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.81calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
7calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Murcko scaffold

The ring system that remains when every side chain is removed

Murcko scaffold of this chemical, O=C1C=C2CCC3C4CCCC4CCC3C2CC1

O=C1C=C2CCC3C4CCCC4CCC3C2CC1

4 rings, 18 atoms.

1,419 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS08: Serious health hazard
Serious health hazard

Hazard statements

  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
  • H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Precautionary statements (7)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Cortisol suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 165 suppliers
30 of 30 offers

Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

165 suppliers in 27 countries

Send one request to many suppliers

Choose up to 10 suppliers or let us match your request. Compare quotes side by side, free.

Choose suppliersPost a request

Cortisol price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

Get latest price

Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Medicine (antiinflammatory agent), also used as the acetate and sodium succinate salts.

Therapeutic category: Glucocorticoid.

Therapeutic category (veterinary): Glucocorticoid.

Veterinary medication:.

Use classes: Hormones, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Drugs.

Pharmacological actions

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Roles

  • analgesic
  • anti-allergic agent
  • anti-anaemic agent
  • anti-arrhythmia drug
  • anti-asthmatic agent
  • anti-asthmatic drug
  • anti-inflammatory agent
  • anti-inflammatory drug
  • antifibrotic agent
  • antiinfective agent
  • antineoplastic agent
  • antipsoriatic
  • antirheumatic drug
  • cardiovascular drug
  • dermatologic drug
  • drug allergen
  • geroprotector
  • hepatoprotective agent
  • hypoglycemic agent
  • immunosuppressive agent
  • insulin-sensitizing drug
  • nasal decongestant
  • ophthalmology drug
  • vulnerary

Functional uses

  • Pharmaceutical

Pharmacology

Hydrocortisone is a Corticosteroid. The mechanism of action of hydrocortisone is as a Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonist.

How it is made

Isolation from adrenal glands

Preparation by microbioal transformation: H.C. Murrary, D.H. Perterson, US 2602769 (1952 to Upjohn)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Cortisol is traded under.

HS 2937.21Exact HS code

Cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone…

World exports in 2024
$252M
−5.8% vs 2023, imports $242M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China62.1%
  2. Italy9.6%
  3. United States9.4%
Top importers
  1. India * partner reported17.2%
  2. United States10.1%
  3. Italy8.6%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Cortisol is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Cortisol, based on the data on this page

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a 17alpha-hydroxy-C21-steroid that is pregn-4-ene substituted by oxo groups at positions 3 and 20 and hydroxy groups at positions 11, 17 and 21. Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone or glucocorticoid produced by zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, which is a part of the adrenal gland.

What is the CAS number of Cortisol?

The CAS registry number of Cortisol is 50-23-7.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Cortisol?

The molecular formula of Cortisol is C21H30O5 and its molar mass is 362.47 g/mol.

What is Cortisol used for?

Medicine (antiinflammatory agent), also used as the acetate and sodium succinate salts. Therapeutic category: Glucocorticoid. Therapeutic category (veterinary): Glucocorticoid. Veterinary medication:. Use classes: Hormones, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Drugs.

Is Cortisol hazardous?

Cortisol carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Cortisol?

Cortisol is usually classified under HS code 293721 (Cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone (dehydrocortisone) and prednisolone…). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Cortisol?

CompoundList lists 165 suppliers of Cortisol in China, United States, India, United Kingdom and 23 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Cortisol in India?

20 suppliers in India list Cortisol on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Cortisol?

Suppliers quote Cortisol on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Cortisol

Get quotes for Cortisol

Post one free request with your grade, quantity and destination. Matching suppliers send quotes you can compare side by side.
Post a request Sell Cortisol
Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
Embed this structure on your websiteShow code

Paste this code into your page to show the 2D structure of Cortisol with a 3D view, its CAS number and a link back to this page. Free to use with the link kept.

<iframe src="https://www.compoundlist.com/embed/structure/cortisol-50-23-7" title="Cortisol structure on CompoundList" width="360" height="420" style="border:1px solid #E7E2DA;border-radius:12px;max-width:100%" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe>
Preview the embed

Explore more in Analgesics and anti-inflammatories or HS code 293721

165 suppliers
Free quotes, contact stays private
Get quotes