Delta-8-THC Isomerization Purity via Vacuum Distillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol from cannabidiol extract of industrial hemp often result in isomerization to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, violating federal compliance limits and requiring additional purification steps, while existing distillation techniques are inefficient in removing impurities and maintaining high purity.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of p-toluenesulfonic acid in a compatible solvent like toluene, followed by quenching with sodium bicarbonate and subsequent vacuum distillation and wiped film distillation to produce a Δ8-THC oil with greater than 99% purity without isomerization to Δ9-THC, ensuring compliance and high purity in a single step reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation techniques are used to purify Δ8-THC, then impurities are removed, but Δ9-THC isomerization occurs violating federal compliance limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the distillation conditions - specifically using vacuum distillation to lower the operating pressure and temperature. This prevents thermal isomerization of CBD to Δ9-THC while still achieving effective separation of impurities from Δ8-THC, thus maintaining federal compliance limits of less than 0.3% Δ9-THC
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the distillation process into two distinct stages: (1) vacuum distillation to remove volatile impurities and prevent isomerization, and (2) wiped film distillation to remove high-temperature impurities. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high purity without Δ9-THC formation
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple purification steps are added to remove Δ9-THC, then compliance is achieved, but process complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing vacuum distillation before any potential isomerization can occur. This preventive measure ensures that Δ9-THC levels remain below 0.3% throughout the process, eliminating the need for subsequent corrective purification steps and simplifying the overall process
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional distillation is used, then impurities are removed, but additional purification steps are required to achieve high purity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distillation into two specialized stages: vacuum distillation for volatile impurity removal and wiped film distillation for high-temperature impurity removal. This segmentation allows each stage to be highly efficient at its specific task, achieving greater than 99% Δ8-THC purity in a single integrated process without requiring additional purification steps
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process effectively maintains Δ9-THC compliance throughout and achieves a highly pure Δ8-THC oil with greater than 99% purity, reducing the need for additional purification and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a process for making Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol from cannabidiol extract of industrial hemp having less than 0.3% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol using processes that do not permit isomerization of cannabidiol to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol
Implementation Method 2
performing a short-path vacuum distillation to remove the low temperature impurities
Implementation Method 3
performing a wiped film distillation to remove the high temperature impurities
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a process to isomerize industrial hemp derived Cannabidiol (CBD) to a pure Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) extract. This procedure will produce Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol that is essentially free from any detectable levels of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Included in this filing are methods and processes to scale the reaction from the lab to process to large scale manufacturing. Additionally, the resulting extract from said methods and processes consists of higher purity than previously reported in the art and greater efficiency compared to prior art.