Extraction and Estimation of Nicotine Present in Different Tobacco products

Abstract Nicotine or 3-(1-methyl-1-2-pyrrolidinyl) pyridine is an alkaloid found in the nightshade family of plants (Solanaceae), predominantly in tobacco, and in lower quantities in tomato, eggplant and in green pepper. Nicotine is a hygroscopic, colourless to yellow-brown, oily liquid that is readily soluble in alcohol, ether or light petroleum. It is miscible with water in its base form between 60 ℃ and 210℃. As a nitrogenous base, nicotine forms salts with acids that are usually solid and water-soluble. Its flash point is 95 ℃ and its auto-ignition temperature is 244℃. The objective of this experiment was to extract nicotine present in different tobacco products and to do a comparative study. Nicotine was extracted using liquid - liquid extraction method and the organic solvent used in the extraction process was diethyl ether. Different tobacco products like non-filtered tobacco (beedi/bidi), cigarettes, and chewing tobacco were analyzed. The study concludes that the nicotine content in tobacco contained in country cigarettes (beedi/bidi) is higher compared to the content in company manufactured branded cigarettes. The nicotine content in commercially available chewing tobacco products was found to be lower than in the smoking form of tobacco, but the average daily consumption made it comparable to the smoking form.