Overview
Artemisinin (CAS 63968-64-9 ), also known as Qinghaosu or QHS, is a naturally derived sesquiterpene lactone endoperoxide extracted from Artemisia annua. It serves as the foundational starting material for a class of semi-synthetic derivatives.
These derivatives are among the most commercially significant active pharmaceutical ingredients in the antimalarial drug supply chain. The primary commercial demand for this compound is as a pharmaceutical intermediate for chemical conversion.
It is converted into derivatives such as artesunate, artemether, and dihydroartemisinin for inclusion in artemisinin-based combination therapies. Contract manufacturers and API producers source bulk material to feed downstream synthesis pipelines.
These pipelines supply regulated pharmaceutical markets globally. In personal care formulations, it is evaluated as a botanical active in anti-inflammatory and skin-clarifying products targeting oxidative stress pathways.
Fragrance and flavor researchers have also explored its use as a minor ingredient, though pharmaceutical intermediates represent the dominant procurement driver. The material is supplied as an off-white to white crystalline powder.
Standard grades include pharmaceutical-grade material meeting USP or in-house specifications, with purity levels typically cited at 98% or above by HPLC. This ensures high quality for industrial applications.
Supply is sourced primarily from cultivated Artemisia annua crops, with China and East Africa representing the principal production regions. This geographic diversity helps stabilize the global supply chain for manufacturers.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 156-157 °C |
| Boiling Point | 344.94°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.300 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Crystalline Solid |
| Color | Needles |
| Form | White to off-white crystalline solid. |
| Refractive Index | 75 ° (C=0.5, MeOH) |
| Log P | 2.900 |
Safety & Handling
Danger GHS02 GHS09 Hazard Statements H242 Heating may cause a fire H400 Very toxic to aquatic life H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P234 Keep only in original packaging. P235 Keep cool. P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P391 Collect spillage. P403 Store in a well-ventilated place. P410 Protect from sunlight. P411 Store at temperatures not exceeding … °C/…°F. P420 Store away from other materials. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P370+P378 Use … for extinction.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29322985 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 63968-64-9
- EC Number
- 700-290-5
- Mol. Weight
- 282.33
- HS Code
- 29322985
- Category
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates