Thus, the two substrates of this enzyme are 3,4-dihydroxy-9,10-secoandrosta-1,3,5(10)-triene-9,17-dione and O2, whereas its product is .
This enzyme belongs to the family of oxidoreductases, specifically those acting on single donors with O2 as oxidant and incorporation of two atoms of oxygen into the substrate (oxygenases). The oxygen incorporated need not be derived from O2. The systematic name of this enzyme class is 3,4-dihydroxy-9,10-secoandrosta-1,3,5(10)-triene-9,17-dione:oxygen 4,5-oxidoreductase (decyclizing). Other names in common use include steroid 4,5-dioxygenase, and 3-alkylcatechol 2,3-dioxygenase. It employs one cofactor, iron.