Δ 9 ‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 ‐THC) was synthesized via Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of a triflate precursor, derived from an inexpensive terpenoid and phloroglucinol, with a boronic acid derivative. This method also provides easy access to Δ 9 ‐THC derivatives bearing a variety of n‐alkyl, aryl and alkenyl side chains and is applicable to other cannabinoids, including cannabidiol and Δ 8 ‐THC derivatives, without requiring strictly anhydrous conditions, special equipment, or protection of the phenolic hydroxyl group. It is expected to be useful in preparing authentic standards of suspected illicit drugs in forensic laboratories where expertise and facilities for organic synthesis may be limited.
OKADA et al. (Thu,) studied this question.