Nicotine degradation and other myths

[raid2506]

So I've been looking into the chemical properties of Nicotine (and cotinine) for a while now, sad huh?

There are a lot of myths and old wives tales circulating but I have been sifting through and corroborating with multiple independent sources where possible. 


The first thing that surprised me, is that Nicotine is a highly stable chemical compound!


Here are some info's about which (I hope) I have exhausted obvious error:

Freezing point -79°C.
This means Nicotine won't freeze unless you can get it to -80°C or below.

However the medium in which the Nicotine is contained will freeze at it's respective temperature.
PG -60°C
VG +17°C
Vodka -15°C
(yes it freezes at +17°C, look it up later!)

Flash point +95°C.
The lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air.

Solvents such as Vodka, PG and VG will have different flash points.
PG +130°C
VG +170°C.
Vodka +30°C

Auto ignition point +244°C.
The lowest temperature at which it will spontaneously ignite in a normal atmosphere without an external source of ignition, such as a flame or spark.

Again beware of contaminants and solvents, although it is unlikely to occur in weak solution.

Boiling point +247°C.
The temperature at which it changes into a vapor.

In solution the solvent may boil at a different temperature.

This would result in the suspended Nicotine being carried away in the vapour without itself having boiled.
PG +188.2°C
VG +290°C
Vodka +80°C


Rate of degradation.
Nicotine in PG solution is noted to be stable at room temperature (20°C) when exposed to air and (indirect) sunlight for up to 2 months with only a 2.1% drop in concentration.

This indicates that an open container of Nic/PG base at 54mg would degrade to approximately 52.8mg.
An open container of PG e-liquid at 18mg would degrade to approximately 17.5mg.

Similar minimal degradation (2%) is noted to have occurred after storage in a domestic freezer for around 18 months.
(I only have one source for this, numerous others all appear to cite or plagiarise the original).

Various tests carried out at 40-80°C for up to 20 days appear to show no degradation of Nicotine in PG within a sealed container.

Breakdown of the chemical structure of Nicotine is noted to begin at approximately 300°C in an oxidising environment.

(The flavours and aromas associated with any particular mixed e-liquid would be subject to higher rates of degradation in much less severe environments).

PG - Propylene Glycol
VG - Vegetable Glycerin
Vodka - assumed 37% ABV (Cos that's what I had in me blooming cupboard!)



Cotinine is an anagram of Nicotine.

Menthol prevents the body from metabolising Nicotine so it stays in the system longer.

Nicotine likes Melanin, so if you have dark hair and/or skin you will be hanging onto residual Nicotine much longer than us pale folks.


If you find any pertinent FACTUAL errors in the above then please let us all know.

[kibbster]

Very interesting, thanks!

[Deleted]

Superb post raid!

[oldsmokey]

Very informative and interesting - thank you!

[Jen]

So keep the lid on then? Awesome

[Roscopecotrain]

Amazing. Nice one raid.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 2

[tfulp]

Thanks raid2506, I'll keep on stockpiling my sealed 500ml glass bottles of 100mg nic in 100% pg in my freezer....Thanks for to research....

[phiant101]

Wow... Thanks very much for taking the time to put this together, really appreciated.

Thanks Raid!

[Greigster]

Cheers Raid, Good one.

[chykensa]

Thanks Raid, really useful to know!
Andy

[chuck]

Thanks for that, very interesting.

[skyjay]

Wow that is some post and very interesting

[poochops]

Wow thanks for putting the time in, interesting stuff:)

[zeldamum]

Thank Raid. Great piece of information.

[DiscoDes]

What I want to know is what is the degradation in a sealed bottle in a cool place (not freezer).