Approaches to the Synthesis of Qinghaosu

The object of this research was to develop new syntheses of bicyclic peroxides and to apply these new methods to the total synthesis of qinghaosu (Arteannuin A), a previously reported anti-malarial compound. 4 Qinghaosu has shown clinical activity in humans against chloroquineresistant strains of malaria. The most challenging feature of qinghaosu, and the biologically active portion of the compound was the peroxide bridge.