Ring opening of artemisinin (Qinghaosu) and dihydroartemisinin and interception of the open hydroperoxides with formation of N-oxides - A chemical model for antimalarial mode of action

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(99)00830-8

In CH₂Cl₂ in the presence of benzylamine, artemisinin transfers an oxygen atom from the intermediate open hydroperoxide to tertiary amines to form N-oxides and N-benzyl-11-azadesoxyartemisinin. Base-catalyzed side reactions interfere