Characterization of Canadian cigarettes using multi-stable isotope analysis by gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry.
A reliable method for measuring (15)N/(14)N and (2)H/(1)H ratios of nicotine in cigarette tobacco has been developed. It involves a simple procedure for extracting nicotine from tobacco using methanol. The extract is directly analyzed on a gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometer (GC-IRMS). The method is reproducible with 4% RSD for delta(2)H and delta(15)N. Brand name cigarettes manufactured in Canada (N = 47) and in China (N = 23) have been analyzed. The results show that nicotine from Canadian cigarettes has a higher (2)H/(1)H ratio and a lower (15)N/(14)N ratio than the Chinese cigarettes. The delta(2)H values for Canadian cigarettes range from -232.7 per thousand to -203.4 per thousand with an average of -222.1 per thousand; the delta(2)H values for Chinese cigarettes range from -262.6 per thousand to -219.9 per thousand with an average of -243.8 per thousand. The delta(15)N values for Canadian cigarettes range from -7.7 per thousand to -6.3 per thousand with an average of -7.1 per thousand; the delta(15)N values for Chinese cigarettes range from -7.6 per thousand to -5.7 per thousand with an average of -6.3 per thousand. The combined measurements of (2)H/(1)H and (15)N/(14)N have been shown to be useful in identifying counterfeits of Canadian cigarettes analyzed in this study.
Binette
Marie-Josée
MJ
Laboratory and Scientific Services Directorate, Canada Border and Services Agency, 79 Bentley Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K2E 6T7, Canada. Marie-Josee.Binette@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
Lafontaine
Pierre
P
Vanier
Micheline
M
Ng
Lay-Keow
LK
D002170:Canada; D002681:China; D003903:Deuterium / Q000032:analysis; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis; D007554:Isotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D009538:Nicotine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D012907:Smoking
D007554:Isotopes; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D009538:Nicotine; D006859:Hydrogen; D003903:Deuterium; D009584:Nitrogen