Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation (pronounced: dee-kahr-bok-suh-ley-shuhn) is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is often used in organic chemistry and biochemistry.

Etymology

The term "decarboxylation" comes from the Latin de- meaning "from" or "off", and carboxyl, referring to the carboxyl group (COOH) that is removed during the process.

Process

Decarboxylation usually occurs through heating. In biochemistry, it is often facilitated by enzymes known as decarboxylases. The process is crucial in the preparation of certain types of cannabis products, where it converts tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) into the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Related Terms

Carboxyl Group: A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom and single bonded to a hydroxyl group.
Enzyme: A protein that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Decarboxylases: Enzymes that aid in the process of decarboxylation.
Cannabis: A group of three plants with psychoactive properties, known as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): The main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives the high sensation.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Decarboxylation
Wikipedia's article - Decarboxylation

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Decarboxylation