Honors Projects

Abstract

Delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC are two psychoactive compounds found in marijuana products which are only distinguishable from each other by alternating the location of a single double bond.  This makes them a challenge to separate and identify as different compounds using the GC/MS.  These isomers are legally recognized as the different compounds, so being able to identify delta-8 and delta-9 THC separately is crucial to forensic analysis. The goal of this research project is to optimize an Intuvo 9000 GC connected to a standard MS to be able to separately and prominently identify delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC in a sample.  This was done by modifying several different aspects of a previous method:  the gain factor was modified, which affects the instrument sensitivity; a dilution series was ran and the injection volume and split settings were adjusted to find the optimal sample concentration; and the inlet temperature and column temperature ramps were modified to ensure adequate separation of peaks.  By optimizing all of these settings, a method was developed that resulted in adequately separate and visibly prominent peaks for both delta-8-THC and delta-9-THC.

Department

Chemistry

Major

Forensic Chemistry

First Advisor

Dr. Travis Worst

First Advisor Department

Chemistry

Second Advisor

Dr. Jamie Spaulding

Second Advisor Department

Biological Sciences

Publication Date

Spring 5-1-2026

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