Methods of converting cannabidiol to Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol or Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol are described. The described methods produce higher yields and higher purity compared to prior art methods.
Claim CLM-00001. 1. A method of converting cannabidiol (CBD) to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) comprising:
providing a reaction mixture comprising CBD in dry methylene chloride; adding BF3Et2O to the reaction mixture; stirring the ice cold reaction mixture under a nitrogen atmosphere; adding NaHCO3 to the reaction mixture; allowing the mixture to separate into an aqueous phase and an organic phase; removing the organic phase; washing the organic layer with water; and eluting Δ9-THC from the organic phase, purity of the eluted Δ9-THC being greater than 97%.
