Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen and pharmaceutical active ingredient belonging to the stilbene estrogen class. It has potent estrogenic activity and has historically been used in hormonal therapy and certain estrogen-responsive medical conditions.
Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic estrogen chemically related to stilbene compounds. It acts by binding to estrogen receptors and producing estrogen-like biological effects in estrogen-responsive tissues.
Diethylstilbestrol is identified by CAS No. 56-53-1. It has the molecular formula C18H20O2 and a molecular weight of approximately 268.36 g/mol.
Diethylstilbestrol produces estrogenic effects through activation of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. Estrogen-receptor activation influences gene expression and physiological processes in reproductive and other estrogen-responsive tissues.
Diethylstilbestrol acts primarily as an estrogen receptor agonist. Following receptor binding, the receptor-ligand complex can regulate transcription of estrogen-responsive genes.
This activity can produce systemic estrogenic effects and has historically supported its use in hormone-related therapeutic applications.
Diethylstilbestrol has historically been used in pharmaceutical products for selected estrogen-related indications, including:
Its clinical use is now highly restricted or discontinued in many jurisdictions because of significant safety concerns associated with exposure.
Diethylstilbestrol may be relevant to pharmaceutical research, analytical applications and specialized formulation-development programs where the compound is specifically required and legally permitted.
The API form, grade, specification and regulatory status should be confirmed according to the intended market and application.
Diethylstilbestrol API quality evaluation may include:
Testing should be performed using validated analytical methods appropriate for the material.
Diethylstilbestrol intended for pharmaceutical or research applications should be handled according to applicable GMP, quality-control and regulatory requirements.
Because Diethylstilbestrol has important safety and regulatory restrictions, its manufacture, distribution and use should be assessed against the requirements of the target jurisdiction and intended application.
A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) should provide relevant analytical results and acceptance criteria.
Diethylstilbestrol should be stored in suitable, tightly closed packaging under the manufacturer's recommended conditions. Appropriate controls should be used to minimize exposure to personnel and prevent contamination.
Diethylstilbestrol is relevant to specialized pharmaceutical and research organizations requiring a synthetic estrogen pharmaceutical ingredient, subject to applicable regulatory restrictions.
For commercial applications, customers should verify the API identity, grade, purity, assay, impurity profile, regulatory status, specification and batch-specific CoA before use.
Consistent API quality is important for pharmaceutical and analytical applications. Control of identity, assay, purity and related substances supports reliable material quality.
Appropriate documentation may include a Certificate of Analysis, specification sheet, safety documentation and applicable regulatory information.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Identification | IR & HPLC compliant |
| Assay (HPLC) | NLT 98.0% by HPLC |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| pH (1% Solution) | 2.0 – 4.0 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.5% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 1.0% |
| Water Content | NMT 0.5% |
| Melting Point | About 115°C |