The Carcinogenic Nitrogen Heterocyclics in Cigarette-Smoke Condensate

Abstract

The identification of 3 nitrogen heterocyclic carcinogens in cigarette tar is described. These compounds, 7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazole, dibenz[a,j]acridine, and dibenz[a,h]acridine, were present in cigarette tar in concentrations of 0.07γ, 0.27γ, and 0.01γ per 100 cigarettes, respectively. The compounds were identified by their spectra and R_F values on paper chromatograms. It was also shown that dibenz[a,j]-acridine and dibenz[a,h]acridine were formed in the pyrolysis of nicotine and of pyridine at 750° C.