Extraction and Spectrophotometric Analysis of Nicotine in Natural and Processed Products Available in the Libyan Market

Abstract

Abstract This research aims to develop an analytical method for extracting nicotine from various natural and industrial products in the Libyan market and to estimate its concentration using a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive spectrophotometric technique. The method is based on the kinetics of permanganate oxidation of nicotine alkaloid in an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at a constant ionic strength. Key parameters, including the optimal wavelength and equilibrium time of the resulting complex, have been evaluated and measured. The method demonstrates validity over a wide linear range of 16 to 964 ppm, with a detection limit of 4.86 ppm. Statistical calculations were performed based on five replicate analyses, and the percent error and relative standard deviation (RSD) values were reported. Additionally, the correlation factor (r = 0.9953) and molar absorptivity (1.88 x 10 L mol.cm1) were documented. The proposed method was applied to extract and determine nicotine from seven different types of cigarettes available in the Libyan market, as well as one type of local non-smoked tobacco (antiquated chewing tobacco). A high extraction efficiency was achieved, with recovery rates ranging from 97.8% to 100%.