20-Epi-19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2 D3 sits among the newer vitamin D analogs, developed to target the vitamin D receptor with modified selectivity. This molecule builds off of the structure of the well-known active form of vitamin D3. The “20-Epi” name points out a subtle tweak in its stereochemistry, while “19-Nor” highlights a missing methyl group at position 19. Chemists set their sights on modifications like these because small changes can mean big differences in biological outcomes. In practical terms, researchers and manufacturers put this analog to work exploring bone health, calcium management, cell differentiation, and immunomodulation, just to name a few examples.
The molecular formula for 20-Epi-19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2 D3 is C26H40O3. This analog distinguishes itself by swapping out a group at the 20-position, changing the geometry and offering a twist in the interaction with biological targets. Its density sits close to 1.1 g/cm3, showing a typical range for compounds of its class. Physical appearance can shift depending on how it’s stored—sometimes showing up as crystalline powder or flakes, sometimes nearly pearly in sheen if well-purified. The substance melts between 120°C and 140°C. 20-Epi-19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2 D3 tends not to dissolve much in water but likes organic solvents such as ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, or chloroform. Usually, labs keep it in glass vials, well-shielded from light, to avoid degradation.
You’re most likely to run into 20-Epi-19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2 D3 as a solid—a powder, crystalline flakes, or micro-pearls. Specialists can tailor the level of purity up to the 98-99% range, sometimes confirmed by HPLC or mass spectrometry. A liter of solution carrying dissolved 20-Epi-19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2 D3 needs precise preparation since it doesn’t play well with water. Researchers handling solid forms will see it range from off-white to a near-translucent appearance depending on preparation technique. Producers usually ship it in small glass bottles or sealed kits designed for minimal exposure to air and humidity. HS Code for mainstream trade and customs for vitamin D and its derivatives floats around 293629, though exact digits can differ in various regions.
People working with 20-Epi-19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2 D3 must respect its potency, given its active vitamin D profile. Direct skin or eye contact causes irritation, so gloves, goggles, and lab coats ought to be standard. Inhaling fine dust or ingesting the substance carries the risk of biological activity, including hypercalcemia, especially if larger quantities become involved. The powdered form spreads easily on surfaces or into the air. Waste and spills require careful cleanup—absorbed with inert material, sealed, and handled according to local chemical waste guidelines. Material safety data sheets advise storage in cool places, away from sunlight, airtight, where temperature swings won’t cause degradation. Fire brings noxious fumes, making a working fume hood and proper firefighting gear essential. Federal and local regulations classify this analog as a hazardous chemical, subject to record-keeping and disposal protocols.
Pharmaceutical projects find this compound attractive for investigating vitamin D–mediated pathways without triggering the same side effects as native vitamin D3. 20-Epi-19-Nor-1,25-(OH)2 D3 lets researchers test hypotheses about calcium metabolism and immune signaling in models that might not tolerate parent compounds. Raw materials start out with cholesterol or modified sterols, later worked through multi-step synthesis routes involving protection, oxidation, reduction, and strategic ring-opening reactions. Manufacturing gets tricky since impurities can easily slip through if purification doesn’t stay tight. Storage, handling, and delivery systems demand real vigilance—biologically active chemicals do not forgive slip-ups. Scale-up depends on the steady supply of starting sterols and refined organic solvents. Every supply chain link, from raw material to finished product, needs rigid control to prevent mishaps.
