olivetolic

Olivetolic is a term used in biochemistry to refer to olivetolic acid and related compounds involved in the biosynthesis of cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa. The best-known members are olivetol, a phenolic alcohol, and olivetolic acid, the carboxylated derivative. Both are polyketide-derived aromatic compounds that serve as precursors to cannabinoids.

In Cannabis, olivetolic acid is produced by a type III polyketide synthase from hexanoyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA, and is subsequently prenylated by a geranyl transferase with geranyl pyrophosphate to yield cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), the central precursor to THCA, CBDA and CBCA. Olivetol can be a related phenolic compound that is often discussed in the context of cannabinoid biosynthesis.

These compounds are found primarily in Cannabis sativa and have been the focus of research into cannabinoid biosynthesis and metabolic engineering. They are of interest in pharmacological research and potential biotechnological production due to their role as precursors to major cannabinoids.

Chemically, olivetol is a phenolic compound with two hydroxyl groups on a benzene ring and an alkenyl side chain; olivetolic acid contains a carboxyl group. Because of their role in cannabinoid biosynthesis, olivetolic-related compounds are studied for understanding plant metabolism and exploring biotechnological approaches to cannabinoid production.

See also: Cannabinoid biosynthesis; Cannabis sativa; olivetol; olivetolic acid.