Question

Describe the changes in hydrocarbon structure and functional groups that are needed to make testosterone from cortisone (see Fig. 7.39).

Short answer

The below changes in hydrocarbon structure and functional groups are needed to make testosterone from cortisone.

Step-by-step solution

The structure of the testosterone and cortisone are shown below.

The following changes are needed to make testosterone from cortisone.

The carbon-oxygen (C=O) double bond on ring three (3) should be replaced with the-–CH₂group.

The ${\text{- COCH}}_{\text{2}}\text{OH}$group on ring four (4) should be replaced with a hydrogen (H) atom.

Reaction of testosterone to form cortisone.