Analysis of Cigarette Smoke by Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

This paper reports the analysis of the combustion products from moderate and low-tar cigarettes. The compounds were collected by a solvent trap coupled with automatic headspace solid phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The fiber, solvent system, extraction temperature, and extraction time were investigated by orthogonal experimental design. The optimized conditions included the use of an 85 µm carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber, tert-butyl methyl ether as the solvent, an extraction temperature of 110°C, and an extraction time of 30 min. Thirty compounds were identified by GC–MS, and twelve aromatic hydrocarbons (51.08%) and 11 hydrocarbons (36.38%) were the major components. The 1,2,3-Trimethylbenzene (79.60%) and furfural (60.03%) had the largest reduction in low-tar cigarettes compared to moderate-tar cigarettes. This method was shown to be fast, simple, accurate, and precise.