This paper presents a simple method for selective synthesis of the key compound, 10beta-azidoartemisinin. The compound 10beta-azidoartemisinin was selectively synthesized by the reaction of dihydroartemisinin (2) with NaN3, KI using ZnCl2 as a catalyst at 0-5°C. The structure of 10beta-azidoartemisinin was elucidated based on 1H, 13CNMR spectrum and known documents.