Nicotine. What it is and how is it classified?

In the 16th century, French doctor Jean Nicot prescribed tobacco as a medication to his patients and it is his name that gave name to Nicotine.

In the year 1828 Nicotine has been isolated for the first time, in 1843 its chemical composition was recognized and it was first time synthesized in 1904.

Nicotine is a colorless, odorless, and oily substance obtained from tobacco leaves via water vapor distillation in an alkaline environment and Ether Extraction or via Supercritical Extraction. It is mainly used in the tobacco industry but also can be found in smoking cessation products, such as nicotine bases or electronic cigarette e-liquids. It is also an ingredient in some pesticides.

Basic Nicotine information:

• Name: nicotine (ISO); 3-[(2S)-1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl]pyridine
• EC Number: 200-193-3
• CAS Number: 54-11-5
• CLP Annex VI Index Number: 614-001-00-4
• CN Code: 2939 99 00

Nicotine classification as a hazardous substance is regulated in the European Union by the CLP Regulation 1272/2008 of 16th December 2008 regarding the classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures. CLP Regulation 1272/2008 overrides previous directives 67/548/EWG and 1999/45/WE and changes (WE) nr 1907/2006.

According to the Annex VI of CLP Regulation, pure Nicotine has received the following GHS Hazard Statements:

• Acute Tox. 1, H310 (Fatal in contact with skin)
• Acute Tox. 3, H301 (Toxic if swallowed)
• Aquatic Chronic 2, H411 (Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects)

Because of these regulations, pure Nicotine should only be used by experienced companies, experts in their field.

If you want to know more about safe handling, familiarise yourself with our Safety Data Sheet for pure Nicotine (a sample safety data sheet for PureNic 99+).