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Hormones and steroids

Prednisone

Also known as Dehydrocortisone, Decortin, Deltasone

CAS 53-03-2Formula C21H26O5Molar mass 358.43 g/molEC 200-160-3
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Serious health hazard 93 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Prednisone chemical structure, C21H26O5, CAS 53-03-2
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Crystals
Melting point
234 °C
Solubility
Very slightly soluble in water, 1 g soluble in 150 mL alcohol, in 200 mL chloroform, sli…
HS code
293721
Category
Hormones and steroids
Illustrative photo, closed blue fibre drums on a pallet in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Prednisone?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant, and affects virtually all of the immune system. Prednisone is a prodrug that is converted by the liver into prednisolone (a beta-hydroxy group instead of the oxo group at position 11), which is the active drug and also a steroid. It has a role as an anti-inflammatory drug, an antineoplastic agent, an immunosuppressive agent, an adrenergic agent and a prodrug. It is a primary alpha-hydroxy ketone, a tertiary alpha-hydroxy ketone, a glucocorticoid, a 17alpha-hydroxy steroid, a 21-hydroxy steroid, a 20-oxo steroid, an 11-oxo steroid, a C21-steroid and a 3-oxo-Delta(1),Delta(4)-steroid.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
(8S,9S,10R,13S,14S,17R)-17-hydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13-dimethyl-6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,11-dione
CAS number
53-03-2 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
200-160-3
Molecular formula
C21H26O5
UNII
VB0R961HZT
MDL number
MFCD00003608
InChIKey
XOFYZVNMUHMLCC-ZPOLXVRWSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C21H26O5/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/h5,7,9,14-15,18,22,26H,3-4,6,8,10-11H2,1-2H3/t14-,15-,18+,19-,20-,21-/m0/s1
Canonical SMILES
CC12C=CC(=O)C=C1CCC1C2C(=O)CC2(C)C1CCC2(O)C(=O)CO
Isomeric SMILES
C[C@]12CC(=O)[C@H]3[C@H]([C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(C(=O)CO)O)CCC4=CC(=O)C=C[C@]34C

Synonyms

  • Dehydrocortisone
  • Decortin
  • Deltasone
  • Meticorten
  • Metacortandracin
  • Supercortil
  • Paracort
  • Deltacortisone
  • Colisone
  • Decortisyl
  • Prednison
  • Orasone
  • 1,2-Dehydrocortisone
  • Di-Adreson
  • Ancortone
  • Bicortone
  • Decortancyl
  • Deltacortone
  • Hostacortin
  • Prednilonga
  • Servisone
  • Sterapred
  • Dacortin
  • Deltison
  • Encorton
Show all 39 synonyms
  • Lodotra
  • Cortan
  • Delta-Cortelan
  • Prednicen-M
  • Delta-Dome
  • Ultracortene
  • Cortidelt
  • Dekortin
  • Delta E
  • Enkorton
  • Lisacort
  • Prednizon
  • Pronison
  • Deltra

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
Crystalsexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Taste
Persistent bitter after-tasteexp.
Melting point
234 °Cexp.
Solubility
Very slightly soluble in water, 1 g soluble in 150 mL alcohol, in 200 mL chloroform, slightly soluble in methanolexp.

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
358.43 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
358.178 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.77calc.
Topological polar surface area
91.67 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
5calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
26calc.
Rings
4calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.67calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
6calc.
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=CC2C(=C1)CCC1C3CCCC3CC(=O)C21

O=C1C=CC2C(=C1)CCC1C3CCCC3CC(=O)C21

4 rings, 19 atoms.

97 other chemicals share this scaffold

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

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

Hazard statements

  • H360May damage fertility or the unborn child.
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
  • H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
  • H373May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Precautionary statements (9)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • 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

Prednisone suppliers

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

All 93 suppliers
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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

93 suppliers in 22 countries

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Prednisone 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.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Veterinary medication:.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal, Glucocorticoids.

Use classes: Alimentary tract and metabolism, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Drugs.

Pharmacological actions

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Glucocorticoids

Roles

  • adrenergic agent
  • analgesic
  • anti-HIV agent
  • anti-allergic agent
  • anti-anaemic agent
  • anti-asthmatic agent
  • anti-inflammatory agent
  • anti-inflammatory drug
  • anti-ulcer drug
  • antifibrotic agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • antineoplastic agent
  • antipsoriatic
  • antirheumatic drug
  • antitubercular agent
  • antiviral agent
  • cardiovascular drug
  • dermatologic drug
  • hypoglycemic agent
  • immunosuppressive agent
  • nephroprotective agent
  • ophthalmology drug
  • prodrug
  • renoprotective agent

Pharmacology

Prednisone anhydrous is a Corticosteroid. The mechanism of action of prednisone anhydrous is as a Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonist.

How it is made

Chemical synthesis of prednisone was first reported by introduction of the two double bonds in ring A by 2,4-dibromination of the 3-ketone and dehydrobromination, but the yields were only 10-15%. Prednisone is prepared more efficiently microbiologically by the dehydrogenation of cortisone: a pure culture of Corynebacterium simplex is grown in a sterilized nutrient medium of yeast extract, and cortisone is added. The C. simplex selectively dehydrogenates the cortisone.

Read more

When the reaction is complete, the fermentation broth is extracted and purified to give prednisone in good yield.

Preparation: Oliveto, Gould, United States of America patent 2897216 (1959 to Schering), Microbiological preparation: ... Nobile, United States of America patents 2837464 and 3134718 (1958, 1964 both to Shering).

Prednisolone (alcohol oxidation)

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: Inactive 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 Prednisone 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 Prednisone 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 Prednisone, based on the data on this page

What is Prednisone?

Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant, and affects virtually all of the immune system.

What is the CAS number of Prednisone?

The CAS registry number of Prednisone is 53-03-2.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Prednisone?

The molecular formula of Prednisone is C21H26O5 and its molar mass is 358.43 g/mol.

What is Prednisone used for?

Veterinary medication:. Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal, Glucocorticoids. Use classes: Alimentary tract and metabolism, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Drugs.

Is Prednisone hazardous?

Prednisone carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: may damage fertility or the unborn child, suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, causes 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 Prednisone?

Prednisone 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 Prednisone?

CompoundList lists 93 suppliers of Prednisone in China, United States, Germany, India and 18 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Prednisone in India?

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

What is the price of Prednisone?

Suppliers quote Prednisone 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 Prednisone

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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