racemic nicotine

Racemic nicotine is a synthetic form of nicotine composed of equal parts of the two enantiomers, S-nicotine and R-nicotine (50% each). Unlike natural tobacco-derived nicotine, which is almost exclusively the S-enantiomer, racemic nicotine is produced via chemical synthesis and contains both stereoisomers. The pharmacological activity of S-nicotine is significantly higher than that of R-nicotine; thus, products containing racemic mixtures may have different potency and effects compared to those with pure S-nicotine. Racemic synthetic nicotine acts as an agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors throughout the nervous system, leading to stimulant effects such as increased alertness and reward signaling. It has been used in vaping products marketed as "tobacco-free" or "synthetic" alternatives[2][5][9]. The main mechanism involves stimulation of nicotinic-cholinergic receptors on autonomic ganglia, adrenal medulla, neuromuscular junctions, and in the brain[3][7]. Racemic synthetic nicotine is not derived from tobacco but manufactured through multi-step organic synthesis starting from precursors like ethyl nicotinate[5][9].

Brand names

TFN (Tobacco-Free Nicotine)

Other names

synthetic racemic nicotine50:50 S-nicotine:R-nicotineDL-nicotine