Pyrogenesis of Aromatic Hydrocarbons Present in Cigarette Smoke l: Role of the Hexane Soluble Fraction of Tobacco

The hexane soluble fraction of flue-cured tobacco has been pyrolyzed to reevaluate the importance of its contribution to the formation of aromatic compounds, especially polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), present in cigarette smoke. The pyrolyses were performed at 860° AA± 5°C under nitrogen. In general, the studies indicate that the hexane-solubles contribute significantly more to the aromatic hydrocarbon levels of tobacco pyrolysate than would be predicted on the basis of percent of dry leaf weight alone. Estimates of benzo[a]pyrene levels in pyrolysates indicate that nearly two-thirds of the amount produced during tobacco pyrolysis may be attributed to the hexane soluble components of leaf.