COLORIMETRIC TEST FOR ANTIMALARIAL ARTEMESIN DERIVATIVES

摘要

A process for testing a composition as containing an artemisinin derivative is provided that includes contacting the composition with a reagent made up of a hydrogen bonding polar organic solvent and an acid having a pK value of less than 3.8 at 25° Celsius and capable of acid catalyzing a decomposition reaction of the artemisinin derivative so as to provide a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is allowed sufficient time at a reaction temperature for the artemisinin derivative to decompose to yield a colored decomposition product discerned by a normal unaided human eye. A kit for testing a composition for an artemisinin derivative according to the process is provided together with instructions for contacting the solvent and the acid with the composition to decompose the artemisinin derivative to yield the colored decomposition.