The formation of aromatic hydrocarbons at high temperatures. XXIV. The pyrolysis of some tobacco constituents

Abstract

In an attempt to stud) the mode of formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in cigarette tar, pyrolyses of dotriacontane (C₃₂H₆₆) and of stigmasterol at 700° have been undertaken. Both compounds gave complex tars containing many aromatic hydrocarbons. Mechanisms for the formation of some of these are discussed, and the relative concentrations of some of the polynuclear hydrocarbons present 1n both tars are compared with those in cigarette tar.