Effect of Tobacco Smoke Condensates on Ascorbate

Ethanolic extracts of tobacco and tobacco smoke contain compounds capable of accelerating the oxidation of ascorbate. Using a polarographic technique, smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipe were examined for oxidising properties. Smoke from Virginia cigarettes showed greater activity than that from blended cigarettes, while smoke from cigars and pipes had even lower activity. The reaction of ascorbate and smoke has been shown by EPR to involve a radical intermediate.