Patent ID: 11242328

Abstract:
Provided herein are methods for converting CBD to a product mixture comprising Δ8-THC, Δ9-THC, or a combination thereof. The methods provided herein may comprise one or more of (1) a contacting step wherein a starting material comprising CBD, a catalyst comprising an iron (III) salt, and optionally a solvent are added to a reaction vessel, thereby forming a reaction mixture; (2) a conversion step wherein at least a portion of the CBD is converted to THC, thereby forming a product mixture; and (3) optionally, a separation step wherein at least a portion of the catalyst is removed from the product mixture. Advantageously, the methods utilize a catalyst comprising iron (III) sulfate, which is commonly used as a food additive and is generally recognized as safe for human consumption, and do not require the use of catalysts or other reagents that are hazardous to human health.