Androstenone (androsterol, adrosterol) - the common name is C19H28O3 (relative molecular weight 324.45; colorless crystals; melting point 88°) - derivatives of cholesterol, the molecules of which are in the beta position in the androstenone molecule. All cholesterol derivatives that have groups of atoms in the alpha positions of the cholesteryl nucleus are called cholestrol esters.
Androstenones are androgenic hormones and their structure corresponds to the hormone testosterone. However, they exhibit androgenic properties only to some extent and to a lesser extent than testosterone. The biological activity of various androstenone substances practically depends on the content of the D-liporotinic ring formed in them as a result of the reduction of the steroid ring into the D-isomer.