Isolation, Purification and Complex Formation of Nicotine Alkaloid

Abstract

Nicotiana tabacum is rich with medicinal importance. The aim of the study is to isolate, purify and compare nicotine (3-[1-Methylpyrolidine2-yl] pyridine) from different brands of cigarettes. Isolation is carried out by liquid-liquid extraction using ether as solvent. Crude nicotine samples are further purified with SPE (solid phase extraction) method. Nicotine crystals are complexed with zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Fine and pure crystals of metal complexes are obtained with Nic-C and Nic-D. However, no complex formation is synthesized with Nic-A and Nic-B due to impurities in the sample which is confirmed by thin layer chromatography. Antibacterial activity of the samples is carried out against different strains of bacteria which showed positive results for Nic-C and Nic-D. The outcomes of the study reveal that Zinc-Nicotine complexes can be used as therapeutic agents and anti-sickness agents in sickle cell disease.