THC extraction is becoming increasingly common in the U.S. with the growth of the legal cannabis market. There are different methods of THC extraction used in industrial settings, such as ethanol extraction, CO2 extraction, and hydrocarbon extraction. Though each method has its own pros and cons, hydrocarbon THC extraction has become a leading method because of the benefits it provides:
- Produces the highest yield
- Provides versatility in final products
- Time-efficient
- Cost-efficient
When compared to other methods, the use of a hydrocarbon solvent maximizes the benefits and saves the most time, whereas methods like CO2 extraction can be time-consuming and very expensive.
How Hydrocarbon THC Extraction Using Solvents Works
The solvent method generally involves simply soaking the plant material in the solvent, and then allowing the solvent to separate the oil from the product. The solution is then heated to evaporate the solvent, leaving behind the THC or other cannabinoids and terpenes in the form of oil.
What Kind of Solvents Are Used in Hydrocarbon THC and CBD Extraction?
Some examples of common solvents used for extracting THC and cannabidiol (CBD) on an industrial scale include:
- Butane
- Hexane
- Heptane
- Propane
Though each solvent is effective and may be desired for specific purposes, heptane has recently been gaining traction in the THC and oil extracting industry because of its many desirable properties. Here are only a few of the reasons why heptane is so favorable:
- Insoluble
- Low toxicity
- Low density
- Low boiling point
- Slow evaporation rate
- Easy evaporation, allowing for easy product recovery
- Considered a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvents like hexane, which is a neurotoxin and hazardous air pollutant
In addition to THC solvent extraction, heptane is also commonly used for liquid column chromatography, which involves separating the solution into layers, allowing for the removal of specific components like terpenes.
Looking to Purchase Industrial-Grade Solvents?
EGS provides businesses with high-quality industrial solvents in bulk quantities. If you are looking to purchase a solvent for your business needs, you can browse our selection by clicking here. If you have any questions about products, please click here and reach out to our staff for further assistance!