Hashish. Unsaturated side-chain analogues of delta8-tetrahydrocannabinol with potent biological activity

Two delta8-THC derivatives, 4a and 4b, with functionalized side chains were synthesized. Treatment of (+)-trans-p-mentha-2,8-dien-1-ol with the resorcinal 2b followed by removal of the dithiol group with HgO--BF3-Et2O gave the aldehyde 3b. A Wittig reaction of dimethyl (2-oxoheptyl)phosphate with 3b furnished 4a, which was reduced to 4b. Compounds 4a and 4b showed potent cannabinoid-like activity in mice.