A Scalable and Versatile Synthesis of Oxime-Based Hormone Dimers and Gels for Sustained Release

Well-defined steroid hormone dimers and organogels were produced via a facile and scalable synthesis using oxime click chemistry. The versatile synthetic procedure extends to a wide range of hormones and linker groups exemplified here through the synthesis of cortisol- and progesterone-dimers linked via hydrophobic, hydrophilic or functional groups. This method was also extended to the synthesis of cortisone-based organogels. Owing to the dynamic nature of the oxime bond, the hormone-based materials are degradable via acidic hydrolysis and transoximination representing new materials for the controlled release of steroid hormones.