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 parts per thousand to -203.4 parts per thousand with an average of -222.1 parts per thousand the delta(2)H values for Chinese cigarettes range from -262.6 parts per thousand to -219.9 parts per thousand with an average of -243.8 parts per thousand. The delta(15)N values for Canadian cigarettes range from -7.7 parts per thousand to -6.3 parts per thousand with an average of -7.1 parts per thousand; the delta(15)N values for Chinese cigarettes range from -7.6 parts per thousand to -5.7 parts per thousand with an average of -6.3 parts per thousand. The combined measurements of (2)N/(1)H and (15)N/(14)N have been shown to be useful in identifying counterfeits of Canadian cigarettes analyzed in this study.