The Chemistry of E-Juice

Introduction

I chose to do my project on the chemistry of ejuice. In the past decade electronic cigarettes have become very popular. I have seen many people using them and I wanted to know exactly what they were inhaling. A lot of my friends use electronic cigarettes so I figured they should also know what is going into their lungs.

Composition of ...

Main components

    • Vegetable glycerin-C3H8O3
    • Propylene glycol-C3H8O2
    • Liquid Nicotine -C10H14N2
    • Hard candy flavoring

Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components

E-cig juice is made of PG or VG, distilled water(optional), flavoring, nicotine (optional), and sometimes other additives

Propylene (PG)

Propylene Glycol is made from propylene oxide.

  • Chemical formula C3H8O2 (organic compound)
  • Made from propylene oxide
  • Odorless and colorless

Vegetable glycerin (VG)

        • Chemical formula C3H8O3
        • Organic extracted from vegetable oils
        • Is a carbohydrate
        • Used as a sugar replacement in low carb diets
        • Colorless and odorless

Nicotine

  • Chemical formula C10H14N2
  • Organic substance Alkaloid of tobacco
  • Yellow/brown liquid smell like tobacco or other fishy smell

Chemistry's Role

The two main components in E-juice are vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. Vegetable glycerin is derived from plants and animals, Usually from soybeans and tallow. Glycerin is produced as a by-product in the production of carboxylate salts used as soaps. Carboxylate is a salt or ester of a carboxylic acid. Propylene glycol is created from propylene oxide for food grade use. Propylene glycol can also be converted from glycerol as a biodiesel by-product. Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil or animal fat based diesel fuel.

Background Research

E-juice is very easy to make a lot of people make it for themselves. First you are going to determine what percent flavoring you want.That’s going to be between between 10% and 20% flavoring. Next you are going to want to know if you want more flavor or more vapor. The more VG you use the more vapor will be produced, but the flavor won’t be as strong. If you use more PG you will have a better flavor, but less vapor. Or you can just use 50% VG and 50% PG. Then you are going to decide if you want nicotine in it. If you do you are going to pick what strength of nicotine is going to be in it. Then after you figure out what percent/amount of each thing you need you will put them in a bottle and mix them (The mixing process can take a couple days).

Resources

http://www.electroniccigarettesale.net/how-to-make-your-own-e-liquid/

Explains what ingredients are used to make E-juice.

http://electroniccigarettereport.net/do-it-yourself-e-liquid-things-you-need-and-how-to-make-one/

Explains different ways to blend the ingredients of E-juice.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotine_poisoning

Explains the dangers of liquid nicotine.

And symptoms of nicotine poisoning.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-vegetable-glycerin.htm

It tells where VG comes from and its uses.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propylene_glycol

Tells where PG comes from and what it can be used for.

http://lorannoils.com/product-education/about-our-flavors

Has different flavorings that you can put in the E-juice

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel

Explains what biodiesel is.

About the Author

Samantha Weishaar is a junior at Billings Senior High. She is 17 years old and plans to attend Montana State University. Her dream is to become a famous theoretical physicist and to hopefully pass chemistry class.(: