Synthetic pathways to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): an overview

Area of Science:

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cannabis sativa produces bioactive molecules with therapeutic potential.
• Tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs) are key compounds of interest.
• Multidisciplinary research spans biology, medicine, and chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review synthetic pathways for tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs) and their derivatives.
• To highlight the chemical versatility of THCs for therapeutic applications.
• To focus on chemo- and biocatalytic synthesis approaches.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on THC synthesis.
• Focus on chiral pool-based synthesis.
• Exploration of asymmetric chemo- and biocatalytic methods.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of various synthetic routes for THCs.
• Discussion of methods for creating diverse THC derivatives.
• Emphasis on efficient and stereoselective synthesis strategies.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic chemistry is crucial for unlocking the therapeutic potential of Cannabis compounds.
• Advanced synthetic methods enable the production of novel THC analogs.
• Continued research in synthesis will drive therapeutic innovation.