Practical Conversion of Artemisinic Acid into Desoxyartemisinin

Artemisinin (Qinghaosu, 2) isolated from Artemisia annua has recently been used in China as a new type of antimalarial drug with rapid action and low toxicity against chloroquine-resistant malaria. Artemisinin is a novel sesquiterpene lactone bearing an unusual cyclic peroxide function. The combination of an interesting biological activity, a novel chemical structure, and a low yield from natural sources prompted us to search for a new synthesis of artemisinin and related compounds. Although interesting syntheses of artemisinin and desoxyartemisinin were reported recently, these complex syntheses do not provide feasible methods for large-scale production. © 1986, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Andrew T. McPhail Chemistry