Multi‐element and multi‐site isotopic analysis of nicotine from tobacco leaves

Abstract
The carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen stable‐isotope contents of nicotine extracted from tobacco leaves were determined by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (overall 2H, 13C and 15N contents) and by the SNIF‐NMR method (site‐specific deuterium content). In addition, nicotine was chemically degraded into nicotinic acid so that the intramolecular distribution of carbon and nitrogen isotopes could be studied. A prerequisite for reliable measurements is the use of experimental procedures free of isotopic fractionation. Therefore, it was ensured that isotopic integrity was maintained throughout extraction, purification and chemical degradation steps. The multi‐element and multi‐site information provided is tentatively interpreted in terms of biochemical isotopic effects on intramolecular distribution patterns and of the influence of environmental factors on nicotine isotopic parameters.

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