Method for the determination of ammonium in cigarette tobacco using ion chromatography

Abstract

Ammonia and other alkaline substances have been postulated to be important in cigarette design. The most significant potential contribution of ammonia is a possible interaction with the native, protonated nicotine in the smoke. Ammonia is more alkaline than nicotine and could facilitate a shift in the acid/base equilibrium where a fraction of the total nicotine converts to the more lipophilic, non-protonated form. This non-protonated, or free-base, form of nicotine absorbs more efficiently across membranes, resulting in more rapid delivery to the smoker’s bloodstream. Ammonia and other potential ammonia sources, such as additives like diammonium phosphate, could influence the acid–base dynamics in cigarette smoke and ultimately the rate of nicotine delivery. To examine and characterize the ammonia content in modern cigarettes, we developed a fast, simple and reliable ion chromatography based method to measure extractable ammonia levels in cigarette filler. This approach has minimal sample preparation and short run times to achieve high sample throughput. We quantified ammonia levels in tobacco filler from 34 non-mentholated cigarette brands from 3 manufacturers to examine the ranges found across a convenience sampling of popular, commercially available domestic brands and present figures of analytical merit here. Ammonia levels ranged from approximately 0.9 to 2.4 mg per gram of cigarette filler between brands and statistically significance differences were observed between brands and manufacturers. Our findings suggest that ammonia levels vary by brand and manufacturer; thus in domestic cigarettes ammonia could be considered a significant design feature because of the potential influence on smoke chemistry.

Improved qualitative properties of pear pekmez by natural zeolite treatment during production process

“…Cations and anions of pear pekmez samples were analyzed according to Watson, Valentin-Blasini, Damian, and Watson (2015).…”

Method for the Determination of Ammonia in Mainstream Cigarette Smoke Using Ion Chromatography

“…Ammonia in mainstream smoke is such an analyte, being both volatile and water soluble, it is present in both phases. Ammonia is a common cigarette additive [ 1 – 2 ], though the reasons for ammonia addition to the tobacco blend are often debated [ 3 – 4 ]. Ammonia is reportedly used as a flavorant and in the manufacture of the reconstituted tobacco sheet [ 5 – 6 ].…”

“…The need to characterize the transfer of ammonia from filler to smoke and the opportunity to expand current methodologies to examine both the particulate and vapor phases of mainstream smoke led to the development of the analytical method described here. The improved analytical method to measure ammonia in tobacco filler was recently published [ 2 ]. The improved analytical method to measure ammonia in mainstream tobacco smoke with a Tedlar bag collection system in described herein.…”

Free amino acids, biogenic amines, and ammonium profiling in tobacco from different geographical origins using microwave‐assisted extraction followed by ultra high performance liquid chromatography

“…Amino acids, biogenic amines, and ammonium are usually analyzed by TLC, GC, CE, IC, and HPLC separation techniques . Of these techniques, HPLC is the most popular and useful method for the simultaneous analysis of these compounds.…”

“…Free amino acids, biogenic amines, and ammonium are natural occurring compounds that are present in a variety of plants. These compounds play an important role in growth and Amino acids, biogenic amines, and ammonium are usually analyzed by TLC, GC, CE, IC, and HPLC separation techniques [5][6][7][8][9]. Of these techniques, HPLC is the most popular and useful method for the simultaneous analysis of these compounds.…”