// Definition
Terpenes existing in a conditionally stable molecular state that will spontaneously rearrange into terpenoids when exposed to heat, water, or even trace acids from skin contact. Pure terpenes are hydrocarbon molecules free of oxygen, but in the presence of catalytic acid they undergo hydration reactions that add oxygen, transforming them into terpenoids with different aromatic and therapeutic properties. Every handling step in hashmaking potentially alters the terpene profile.
// From the Episode
Mark Scialdone introduced this concept when discussing why rosin terpene profiles might differ from their starting material despite showing higher overall terpene percentages. He explained that when terpenes encounter heat, water, or trace amounts of acid (including from fingertips), they undergo hydration to form terpenoids. He noted that some terpenes are metastable, meaning they are stable only under specific conditions and will rearrange when disturbed by extraction processes.
// Source
Ep. 025 The ROSINTECH Episode →