Ergosterol

Name:
Ergosterol
Detailed information:

M Formula:	C28H43OH
Chemistry structure:
Properties:
Colorless crystals. Mp 166C (with 1.5 H2O), bp 250C (0.01 mm Hg), d 1.04, specific rotation −135 (in chloroform). Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol, benzene, ether.
Derivation:
Synthesized by yeast from simple sugars, obtained from fungus ergot.
Hazard:
Due to its ability to catalyze calcium deposition in the bony structure (thus preventing rickets), overdosage of vitamin D may be harmful.
Use:
Antirachitic vitamin; when irradiated with UV light, it has vitamin D activity; source of estradiol.