ICRS: CHARACTERISATION OF DELTA-8 THC DISTILLATES USING HIGH RESOLUTION MASS SPECTROMETRY (HRMS) AND CYCLIC ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETRY COUPLED WITH HRMS

Significance of the Topic

The rise of delta-8-THC in consumer products has generated concerns about safety and regulation. Bulk delta-8-THC synthesis from hemp derived cannabidiol often yields byproducts that challenge analytical labs. High resolution detection and separation of isomers is critical to ensure product quality and consumer safety.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work aims to characterize delta-8-THC distillates using high resolution mass spectrometry and cyclic ion mobility spectrometry. The study evaluates the presence of isomeric and halogenated byproducts and demonstrates the enhanced resolution offered by multi pass ion mobility.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample preparation: dilution of distillates in acetonitrile
• Chromatography: UPLC with C18 column, formic acid mobile phases
• Mass spectrometry: Quadrupole time of flight with MSE mode
• Ionic separation: cyclic traveling wave ion mobility with multi pass capability

Key Results and Discussion

Multi component analysis revealed several cannabinoids including delta-8-THC, delta-9-THC, exo-THC and chlorinated analogues. High resolution MS identified base peaks at m/z 315.23 and 351.21 indicating both C21H30O2 and C21H31ClO2 species. Single pass ion mobility could not resolve certain isomer pairs but multi pass separation achieved baseline distinction of coeluting isomers such as CBL and a delta-10-THC isomer. Post mobility collision induced dissociation enabled acquisition of product spectra for each mobility separated precursor.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The combined high resolution MS and cyclic ion mobility approach enhances peak capacity and isomer resolution in complex cannabinoid matrices. It supports structural elucidation of byproducts and ensures accurate quality control for regulatory compliance.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing advancements in ion mobility technology may improve throughput and resolution. Integration with other separation techniques like GC or enhanced MSn experiments will enable deeper insights into synthetic byproducts. Application of this approach may extend to other complex natural product and forensic analyses.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that coupling high resolution mass spectrometry with cyclic ion mobility offers a powerful platform for detailed characterization of delta-8-THC distillates. Multi pass separation resolves challenging isomeric compounds and yields mobility aligned MSMS spectra that aid structural identification.

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