THC sublimes at a temperature of 157 degrees Celsius during the process of fractional distillation. This temperature is specifically set to isolate THC from the extract, allowing it to vaporize and then condense for collection.
Detailed Explanation:
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Fractional Distillation: This process is crucial for the cannabis and hemp industry as it enables the isolation of specific compounds like THC. At 157 degrees Celsius, THC is vaporized and then condensed, separating it from other compounds in the extract. This method is efficient because it targets the specific boiling point of THC, ensuring that it is the primary compound collected.
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Second Distillation Step: After the initial fractional distillation, a second step using a thin film evaporator further refines the THC by separating it from CBD. This process operates under vacuum conditions and higher temperatures, enhancing the purity of the THC isolate.
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Decarboxylation: Before or during distillation, THC must undergo decarboxylation to activate its psychoactive properties. This process involves heating THC to 104° Celsius, which converts non-active THCA into active THC. If this step is not completed during distillation, it must be performed separately before distillation begins.
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Final Purification: The distillation process continues until all impurities and undesirables, such as residual solvents, are removed. The result is a highly pure THC distillate, ready for further processing or use in various applications.
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Temperature Control in Extraction: The extraction of THC and other cannabinoids involves careful temperature management, especially when using methods like CO2, butane, propane, or ethanol extraction. These processes require cooling the extraction agent to very low temperatures (as low as -80°C) before compression, ensuring effective extraction without damaging the compounds.
In summary, the temperature of 157 degrees Celsius is critical for the sublimation of THC during distillation, ensuring its effective isolation and purification for various uses in the cannabis industry.
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