Headshot of Manuel Sosa

Manuel Sosa
R&D Chemist II - Lab Supervisor
Abstrax Tech Inc.
SPEAKER
SAFETY & TESTING

Temperature-Controlled n-Butane Extraction Minimizes Waxes While Preserving Cannabinoids and VOCs
Cannabis produces a broad range of desirable nonpolar constituents, including cannabinoids and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making nonpolar solvents such as n-butane well suited for extracting and formulating cannabis oils. However, a poorly characterized nonpolar fraction commonly referred to as “fats and waxes” is often co-extracted, leading to cloudiness and the need for downstream winterization. The objective of this study was to determine how extraction temperature affects the co-extraction of waxes and their transfer to the aerosol phase, while maintaining recovery of cannabinoids and VOCs. Two commercial cannabis varieties were extracted with n-butane at multiple jacket temperatures spanning sub-zero to near-ambient conditions. Crude extracts were characterized for cannabinoids and VOCs by chromatographic methods, and the nonpolar background was profiled with a focus on long-chain alkanes associated with epicuticular wax. Viscosity was measured to assess potential effects on vape-device performance, and vaping experiments with cartridge-style hardware were used to quantify transfer of these waxes into the inhalable aerosol. We found that saturated n-alkanes characteristic of plant waxes were major components of the co-extracted nonpolar fraction and increased systematically with extraction temperature, whereas concentrations of target cannabinoids and VOCs remained comparatively stable over the same range. Bulk viscosity changed only modestly with composition, but the waxes readily transferred into the aerosol, with lower transfer observed when extraction temperature was reduced. We conclude that temperature control during n-butane extraction is a practical process lever to limit co-extraction and aerosolization of waxes while preserving key cannabinoids and VOCs, thereby improving concentrate purity and inhalation safety.

Learning Objectives:

  • How n-butane extraction temperature changes co-extraction of epicuticular waxes in cannabis oils

  • Why cannabinoid and VOC yields stay relatively stable across temperatures

  • How lowering temperature reduces wax in the aerosol phase
BIO
At Abstrax Tech, our team leads in analytical testing and research, primarily through the use of advanced techniques such as 2D GCxGC and HPLC. My role as Research and Development Chemist II and Lab Supervisor involves not only conducting rigorous tests but also developing and refining Standard Operating Procedures to elevate our lab's precision and efficiency. As well as doing groundbreaking research, publishing scientific publications, and creating new innovative IP for the company.

View CannMed Resources Below:

Image