// Definition
Chemical reactions in which a prenyl group (five-carbon isoprene unit) is attached to aromatic compounds, creating complex hybrid molecules like prenylated flavonoids and terpenophenolics. In cannabis, these reactions combine terpene building blocks with aromatic sulfur compounds to produce unique volatile molecules like terpinolene-thiol that contribute to the plant's distinctive dank aromas.
// From the Episode
Discussed in the aromatic volatile episode as the chemical mechanism behind cannabis's most complex aroma compounds. When terpene precursors react with sulfur-containing amino acid derivatives, prenylation creates entirely new molecular classes not found in standard terpene or thiol panels. This helps explain why simple terpene testing misses much of what makes cannabis varieties aromatically distinct. The concept bridges brewery science (where similar sulfur chemistry is well-studied) with cannabis research.
// Source
Ep. 228 Zkaq937qofM →