Pharma & Specialty Chemical Standards

Artemether, a sesquiterpene lactone with a peroxide bridge, is a semi-synthetic derivative of artemisinin. Its IUPAC name is (1R,2S,4R,8aS,9R,12aS)-4,12-Dimethyl-10-oxo-2,3,4,10,12,12a-hexahydro-1H-phenanthro[3,4-b]furan-2-yl methyl ether, molecular formula C₁₆H₂₆O₅, and molecular weight 302.37 g/mol. Structurally, it features a tricyclic lactone ring and an ether linkage. Therapeutically, it is used for malaria treatment, targeting Plasmodium species. It exhibits low water solubility and high lipid solubility, enhancing bioavailability. The mechanism involves the peroxide bridge generating free radicals that damage parasite proteins and membranes, inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.