Hello Everyone,
Let me preface this question by saying that this is all being done under a legal THC/Hemp license in the state of Colorado.
I was hoping to get some advice on how to improve my method for converting CBD into THC. Currently we have been attempting two methods.
Method #1:
Combine CBD isolate (99%) with ethanol at a 10:1 ratio. Add 2.42g of p-TSA for every 100g of CBD isolate added. Reflux at 63C for 47min. Following the reflux we do a bicarbonate wash to neutralize the pH followed by an extraction of the cannabinoids into an organic layer (Hexane) by titrating water into the solution. After separating the phases we evaporate the Hexane out of the organic layer and distill the remaining oil using short path distillation.
The purity tested by HPLC is approximately 50% Delta-8 THC and 15% Delta 9 THC. Following this reaction the end product is prepared for oxidative degydrogenation to form CBN. The higher the purity of Total THC prior to this reaction, the higher the purity of our CBN. This we are looking to make improvements to our methodology.
Points or potential improvement:
1.) commence reaction under a nitrogen atmosphere
2.) use 200 proof ethanol (currently using 190 proof)
3.) change reaction solvent to toluene/heptane
Methods #2:
First dry your clay in a vacuum oven at 80C with a vacuum applied for 1Hr. Then combine CBD isolate with T-5 acid washed clay with 16% T-5 by weight (150g T-5 for 1000g CBD isolate). Reflux at 180C for 3Hr. Following the reflux distill using short path distillation.
This method has yielded us ~60% total THC. I’m not sure what improvements I could make on this methodology are.
Thank you all for any advice and insights you may have.
Did you find a solution to your covnersion effiency? What methods are you using? Stronger acids favor a complete conversion. Verify yiur acid if chiice is soluable in the solvent you are using.
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