hydrogen Bonding between Tetrahydrocannabinol and Vitamin E acetate in Unvaped, aerosolized, and Condensed aerosol e-Liquids.

Introduction:
This article, published in the journal analytical Chemistry, discusses the potential chemical interactions between tetrahydrocannabinol (ThC) and vitamin E acetate (VEa) in e-cigarette, or vaping, products associated with lung injury. The study aimed to determine if ThC and VEa exist in unvaped, vaped, and aerosolized e-liquids as a hydrogen bonded complex. The key points of the study are summarized below.

Key Points:

* The study found that ThC and VEa form a hydrogen bonded complex in unvaped e-liquids, with bands at 1736 cm-1, 1228 cm-1, and 3449 cm-1.
* The hydrogen bonded complex remains intact during and after the vaping process, as observed in aerosolized vapor and postvape condensate.
* The proposed structure of the ThC/VEa complex is supported by 13C NMR and DaRT-hRMS data.
* DaRT-hRMS analysis of the aerosolized vapor showed a significant abundance of the mixed dimer, indicating a significant amount of the hydrogen bonded complex exists in the aerosolized vapor.
* The study does not directly link the hydrogen bonded complex to lung injury, but it demonstrates that the complex is present in the aerosol produced under the vaping conditions used and would likely be delivered to the lungs in this form.
* additional work is needed to determine how the complex may impact the formation of toxic pyrolysis byproducts and how the lungs are affected by the complex.

Main Message:
The main message of this study is that ThC and VEa form a hydrogen bonded complex in unvaped, vaped, and aerosolized e-liquids. This complex is likely delivered to the lungs in the aerosol form, and further research is needed to determine its impact on lung health. The study highlights the importance of continued research into the chemical interactions of e-cigarette, or vaping, products and their potential health effects. as an expert in regulatory matters, it is crucial to consider these findings when developing and implementing policies related to e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

Lanzarotta a, Falconer TM, Flurer R, Wilson Ra. hydrogen Bonding between Tetrahydrocannabinol and Vitamin E acetate in Unvaped, aerosolized, and Condensed aerosol e-Liquids. analytical chemistry. 2020;92(3):2374-2378. doi:10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05536