Chemical examination ofArtemisia scoparia Waldst. and Kit

Summary and Conclusion

• 1. From the flowering heads and seeds ofArtemisia scoparia, which is the only species ofArtemisia growing in the plains of India, a lactone and an essential oil have been obtained in yields of 0·92 and 0·75 per cent. respectively.

• 2. The lactone, which has been named “Scoparin”, has been found to have the molecular formula C₁₆H₂₀O₅. It contains an α: β-unsaturation, one ketonic group and two methoxyl groups.

• 3. A number of derivatives of the lactone have been prepared and analysed.