Despite more than 40 years of research on the decarboxylation and decomposition of phytocannabinoids, the kinetics and the pathways for these reactions remain poorly understood. Conflicting or inconclusive results have been reported from experiments utilizing non-standardized cannabis extracts and plant tissues. To specifically address this, experiments were constructed using only purified cannabinoid reagents, which were reacted in various solvent matrices at a range of temperatures in closed systems. Kinetic data for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) decarboxylation reactions, including rate constants and activation energies, have been determined. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) decomposition kinetics have also been studied, with products and potential pathways tentatively identified. The results presented here provide insight on several issues raised in the existing literature and have implications for the manufacturing processes for cannabis products.

Holding the center: Kinetics of cannabinoid decarboxylation and decomposition

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.