The current government interest in nicotine conversion by cigarette companies provides an example of acid-base chemistry that can be explained to students in the second semester of general chemistry. In particular, the conversion by ammonia of the +1 form of nicotine to the easier-to-assimilate free-base form illustrates the effect of pH on acid-base equilibrium. The part played by ammonia in tobacco smoke is analogous to what takes place when cocaine is "free-based".
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Citation
Summerfield, John H. J. Chem. Educ.1999 76 1397.
Keywords
Public Understanding; AcidÐBase Chemistry; Drugs / Pharmaceuticals; Equilibrium; Teaching / Learning Aids; Introductory / High School Chemistry
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