Correlation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon Formation Between Pyrolysis and Smoking

Tobacco, its petroleum ether (PE) extract, and the residual extracted tobacco (marc) were pyrolyzed at 650-750°C, 650-850°C, and 700°C, respectively. Analyses of the polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) produced showed that the pyrolysis of the tobacco and the PE extract at 700°C produced PAH profiles comparable to those found in cigarette smoke condensate (CSC). The data indicated that most of the alkyl PAH and the major PAH in cigarette smoke are derived from the PE extractables of tobacco. The constituents of the marc were the major precursors for phenols, oxygenated PAH, and Iow molecular weight acids; and those of PE extract were the major producers of high molecular weight acids.