Stereochemistry & Metabolism of Steroids The spatial arrangement of the steroid’s side chain is known as the stereochemistry of steroids.
There are a total of 64 optically active forms that may be created because of the six asymmetric carbon atoms present in the nucleus that are 5, 8, 9, 10, 13, and 14.
They are mainly exhibit in chair form and boat form.
Due to reduced angle strength, chair shape is more stable than boat form, Because of this, every cyclohexane ring in the steroid nucleus is present in the chair form.
Metabolism
The liver is the primary site of steroid metabolism.
First step results in the formation of tetrahydro derivatives by reducing double bonds and adding a hydroxyl to the ring.
Here is a flowchart diagram illustrating the Metabolism of Steroids: