Abstract
A new spectrophotometric method, suitable for routine determination of nitrate in tobacco, is described. Quantities as low as 0.05 % of nitrate in tobacco are determinable, the results can be reproduced very well (RSD (relative standard deviation) = 1.43 % for 0.7 % of nitrate in tobacco). 15-20 determinations per day and per person can be performed. The figures obtained by this method are identical with those obtained by other methods. Interferences by other compounds have not been observed. Commercial cigarettes show contents of nitrate in tobacco in the range between 2 % and 0.04 %.