L-QUEBRACHITOL FROM HEVEA LATEX: CHALLENGES TO ITS COMMERCIALIZATION

Abstract

The main challenges to the commercialization of L-Quebrachitol derived from Hevea latex are discussed. It is viewed that the high recovery cost of L-Quebrachitol and the unfavorable organic synthesis steps needed when using L-Quebrachitol as the starting material in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients are the main obstacles to its commercialization. An alternative approach is proposed involving the bio-transformation of L-Quebrachitol which requires further research.