A Revised Modular Approach to D8-THC and Derivatives Through Late-Stage Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reactions
<p>In this manuscript we describe a modular pathway to synthesize biologically relevant (–)-<i>trans</i>-Δ<sup>8</sup>-THC derivatives, which can be used to modulate the pharmacologically important CB<sub>1</sub> and CB<sub>2</sub> receptors. This pathway involves a one-pot Friedel-Crafts alkylation/cyclization protocol, followed by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions and gives rise to a series of new Δ<sup>8</sup>-THC derivatives. In addition, we demonstrate using extensive NMR evidence that similar halide-substituted Friedel-Crafts alkylation/cyclization products in previous articles were wrongly assigned as the para-isomers, which also has consequence for the assignment of the subsequent cross-coupled products and interpretation of their biological activity. </p> <p>Considering the importance of the availability of THC derivatives in medicinal chemistry research and the fact that previously synthesized compounds were wrongly assigned, we feel this research is describing a straightforward pathway into new cannabinoids.</p>