GC-MS Metabolite Profile and Identification of Unusual Homologous Cannabinoids in High Potency Cannabis sativa

Planta Med. 2020 Mar;86(5):338-347. doi: 10.1055/a-1110-1045. Epub 2020 Feb 13.

Abstract

Phytochemical investigation of the lipids extracted from seeds of Cannabis sativa by GC-MS showed 43 cannabinoids, 16 of which are new. The extract is dominated by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (A) and its neutral derivative trans9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C5 (THC) Cis and trans9-tetrahydrocannabinol-C7 isomers with an ethyl-pentyl branched chain together with minor amounts of trans9-tetrahydrocannabinol with a methyl-pentyl C6 branched side chain were identified as new natural compounds. Four cannabichromene isomers with a C5 side chain are postulated to be derived from the double bond migration at the terminal isoprenyl unit. C7 cannabichromene together with the neutral and acidic forms of cannabinol-C7 were also detected. The mass spectrum of these homologues as trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives are presented, and the fragmentation patterns are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Cannabinoids*
  • Cannabis*
  • Dronabinol
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Mass Spectrometry

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Dronabinol