decarboxyleert

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group (-COOH) and releases carbon dioxide (CO2). This process typically occurs when a compound containing a carboxyl group is heated. The term "decarboxyleert" is a Dutch verb meaning "decarboxylates," indicating that the reaction is happening to a substance.

Many organic compounds can undergo decarboxylation, including carboxylic acids and beta-keto acids. The ease with which a molecule decarboxylates often depends on its structure. For example, beta-keto acids are particularly susceptible to decarboxylation due to the proximity of the carbonyl group, which stabilizes the intermediate enol.

In biological systems, decarboxylation is an important metabolic pathway. Enzymes called decarboxylases catalyze these reactions, playing roles in processes like amino acid metabolism and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For instance, the decarboxylation of an amino acid can lead to the formation of an amine.

The industrial applications of decarboxylation are also significant. It is used in the production of various chemicals and materials. For example, the heating of calcium carbonate (limestone) to produce calcium oxide (lime) and carbon dioxide is a form of decarboxylation. In the context of cannabis, the heating of cannabis flower triggers the decarboxylation of cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) into its psychoactive form, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is why edibles and vaping methods that involve heating are often more potent than simply consuming raw cannabis.