Thermal decarboxylation of acidic cannabinoids in Cannabis species: identification of transformed cannabinoids by UHPLC-Q/TOF–MS

Abstract Decarboxylation of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) is an important step for efficient production the active pharmaceutical component cannabidiol (CBD) in Cannabis species. Acidic cannabinoids (ACBs) can be easily transformed into neutral via loss carbon dioxide when exposed to heat. During thermal process, several products including psychotropic ? 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol ( -THC) and its isomers were produced through decarboxylation, hydration, isomerization, oxidation, as identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF MS). Their identification was carried out using authenticated standards interpreting MS/MS fragmentations. To investigate CBDA extracted isolated from inflorescence ultrasonication extraction two-step column chromatography. decarboxylation yield ACBs extract, samples examined over a range reaction temperatures (110–130 °C) times (5–60 min). Time profiles degradation CBD formation obtained functions temperature. In particular, most converted at 130 °C 20 min; this partially THC cyclization. addition isomers, cannabielsoin (CBEA) (CBE) also observed minor oxidative products. Based on structural profiling data, transformation pathways are plausibly suggested. The results will provide information cannabinoids, especially CBD, plants quality control -based cosmetic industries.