Infrared study of the Proton Acceptor Ability of Nicotine

Abstract

Abstract The interaction between nicotine and phenol derivatives has been studied by infrared spectrometry in solvents of low polarity. The enthalpies of complex formation ranged from 24 to 36 kJmol −1 and the Δv OH values from 440 to 580 cm −1 , indicating a rather strong interaction. The FT‐Infrared spectra (1100‐600 cm −1 ) strongly suggest that the interaction occurs at the N atom of the pyridine ring showing that hydrogen bond formation is governed by the accessibility of the lone pair of the base.