Synthesis of Racemic and Optically Active Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Metabolites

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00024a031

The preparation of racemic and optically active Δ⁹-THC metabolites is described from synthon 13.Racemic synthon 13 is prepared in four steps (46percent) from Danishefsky's diene.Optically active synthon 13 is prepared from perillaldehyde via the enone 22 in six steps (23percent yield).Alternatively, nopinone can be converted to 13 in three steps (50percent yield) via a cyclobutane ring cleavage.The acid-catalyzed condensation of 13 with olivetol (6a) and subsequent conversion to 11-hydroxy and 9-carboxyl Δ⁹-THC metabolites 2a and 4a is described, as well as the preparation of 1',1'-dimethylheptyl THC analogues 2b, 3b, and 4 b from 5-(1',1'-dimethylheptyl)resorcinol (6c).