The process by which, when exposed to heat, Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA) is converted to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA) is converted to Cannabichromene (CBC).
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide (CO2). Usually, decarboxylation refers to a reaction of carboxylic acids, removing a carbon atom from a carbon chain. The reverse process, which is the first chemical step in photosynthesis, is called carboxylation, the addition of CO2 to a compound. Enzymes that catalyze decarboxylations are called decarboxylases or, the more formal term, carboxy-lyases (EC number 4.1.1).

English
Etymology
From de- + carboxylation.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /diːkɑːbɒksɪˈleɪʃən/
Noun
decarboxylation (plural decarboxylations)
- (organic chemistry) The removal of one or more carboxyl groups from a molecule
Derived terms
Related terms
- decarboxylate