PHOTOCHEMICAL PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ARTEMISININ

摘要

598878 Disclosed herein is a process for preparing artemisinin comprising the steps of preparing a mixture comprising a dihydroartemisinic acid derivative of formula (I), wherein the variables are defined in the specification; at least one organic solvent, such as alcohols, chlorinated solvents, ketones, sulfoxides, nitriles, N,N-disubstituted amines, esters, nitrogenated heterocycles, ethers, alkanes, aromatic solvents, and mixtures thereof; and a photosensitiser, such as Rose bengal, tetraphenylporphyrin, tetraphenylporphyrin derivatives, tetramethylthionine chloride (methylene blue) and toluidine blue; and subjecting said mixture to photooxidation by means of a light source