Artemisinin Imp C

Artemisinin Imp C is a structurally related impurity characterized by a modified trioxane core and a disrupted endoperoxide bridge, resulting in a hydroxylated cyclohexenone moiety. Its lactone functionality remains intact, but the absence of the 1,2,4-trioxane ring introduces a stereospecific hydroxyl substitution at the C-10 position. This compound arises as a synthetic byproduct during artemisinin oxidation pathways, specifically from incomplete cyclization of the precursor artemisinic acid. It serves as a critical HPLC reference standard for quantifying process-related impurities in artemisinin-based pharmaceuticals.