Synthetic Vs Natural Nicotine: Investigation in the Indian Contextr
Stuti Menon
Stuti Menon, Department of Chemistry, Navrachana International School, Vadodara (Gujarat), India.
Manuscript received on 05 January 2023 | Revised Manuscript received on 26 February 2023 | Manuscript Accepted on 15 April 2023 | Manuscript published on 30 April 2023 | PP: 20-28 | Volume-3 Issue-3, April 2023 | Retrieval Number: 100.1/ijapsr.A4037124123 | DOI: 10.54105/ijapsr.A4037.03030423
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© The Authors. Published by Lattice Science Publication (LSP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: The objective of this study is to ascertain the enantiomeric composition and purity of synthetic nicotine samples in India, evaluating whether the surge in synthetic nicotine’s popularity is paralleled by adequate knowledge of its pharmacological and toxicological effects. This research employs established US Pharmacopoeia [1] methods to analyse synthetic nicotine (resolved to the S-isomer) against Tobacco-Derived Natural Nicotine (TDN). Polarimetry and Gas Chromatography are the primary techniques utilized to determine the enantiomeric ratio and purity of nicotine in the samples. The study finds that Synthetic Nicotine, when resolved to the S-isomer, exhibits characteristics closely similar to TDN. Conversely, the racemic mixture of Synthetic Nicotine presents a balanced ratio of R and S isomers, as evidenced by the absence of optical rotation. These results suggest that Synthetic Nicotine has been accurately resolved to match the enantiomeric purity of natural nicotine. This research has implications for manufacturers, users, and policymakers. For manufacturers, it emphasizes the necessity for precise production techniques. For users, particularly in India, it emphasizes the importance of awareness about the contents of nicotine products. For policymakers, the study signals the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to manage the production and sale of synthetic nicotine, ensuring public health safety. This research fills a critical gap in the existing literature by providing empirical data on the enantiomeric composition of synthetic nicotine within the Indian context, a largely under-researched area. The findings and methodologies offer a valuable reference point for further studies and regulatory assessments.
Keywords: Synthetic Nicotine, Enantiomeric Purity, Tobacco Derived Nicotine, Pharmacological Effects, India
Scope of the Article: Medicinal Chemistry