The identification, isolation, and preservation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC),

Abstract

(—)-trans-Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) was isolated from marihuana plant extract, by adsorptive column and glc. The adsorptive column chromatography method consisted of chromatographing marihuana extract on a column packed with a mixture of silica gel (gas chromatography grade (100/120 mesh), silver nitrate and calcium sulphate (CaSO4·H2O) (3:1:0·5) with benzene as the eluting solvent. The glc method consisted of chromatographing the extract on a 3 ft silanized glass column (3/8 inch o.d.) packed with 1·5 ft of 2% QF-1 and 1·5 ft of 2% OV-17 on chromosorb W, AW 30–60 mesh, prep grade. A purity of 99% for the isolated Δ9-THC was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy. The effects of storage conditions on Δ9-THC stability, monitored by glc, indicated the best method for preserving Δ9-THC was at 0°, protected from light, stored under nitrogen.