SOLUTION COMPRISING NICOTINE IN UNPROTONATED FORM AND PROTONATED FORM
There is provided a nicotine solution comprising a carrier; nicotine in unprotonated form and in protonated form; and one or more acids, wherein at least benzoic acid, levulinic acid or a mixture thereof is present; and wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no greater than 0.6 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
1 - 24 . (canceled)
25 . A nicotine solution comprising:
(i) a carrier;
(ii) nicotine in unprotonated form and in protonated form; and
(iii) one or more acids, wherein at least benzoic acid is present; and
wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no greater than 0.6 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
26 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 further comprising water.
27 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 containing acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid.
28 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no greater than 0.5 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
29 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no less than 0.2 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
30 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 wherein the amount of benzoic acid present in the solution is no less than 0.2 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
31 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 wherein the amount of benzoic acid present in the solution is from 0.2 to 0.4 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
32 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 comprising nicotine in an amount of no greater than 2 wt % based on the total weight of the solution.
33 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 comprising nicotine in an amount of no greater than 1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the solution.
34 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 containing acid selected from the group consisting of levulinic acid and comprising nicotine in an amount of no greater than 1.8 wt % based on the total weight of the solution.
35 . A nicotine solution according to claim 25 wherein the carrier is a solvent.
36 . A nicotine solution according to claim 35 wherein the solvent is selected from glycerol, propylene glycol and mixtures thereof.
37 . A contained nicotine solution comprising:
(a) a container; and
(b) a nicotine solution comprising
(i) a carrier,
(ii) nicotine in unprotonated form and in protonated form, and
(iii) one or more acids, wherein at least benzoic acid is present; and
wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no greater than 0.6 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
38 . A contained nicotine solution according to claim 37 wherein the nicotine solution further comprises water.
39 . A contained nicotine solution according to claim 38 wherein the container is configured for engagement with an electronic vapor provision system.
40 . A contained nicotine solution according to claim 37 wherein the nicotine solution contains acid selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid.
41 . An electronic vapor provision system comprising:
a vaporizer for vaporizing liquid for inhalation by a user of the electronic vapor provision system;
a power supply comprising a cell or battery for supplying power to the vaporizer;
a nicotine solution comprising:
(i) a carrier,
(ii) nicotine in unprotonated form and in protonated form, and
(iii) one or more acids, wherein at least benzoic acid is present; and
wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no greater than 0.6 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.
42 . An electronic vapor provision system according to claim 41 wherein the nicotine solution further comprises water.
43 . A process for improving the sensory properties of a vaporized nicotine solution, the process comprising:
(a) providing a nicotine solution comprising:
(i) a carrier,
(ii) nicotine in unprotonated form and in protonated form, and
(iii) one or more acids, wherein at least benzoic acid is present; and
wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no greater than 0.6 mole equivalents based on the nicotine; and
(b) vaporizing the nicotine solution.
44 . A process according to claim 43 wherein the nicotine solution further comprises water.
45 . Use of one or more acids for improving sensory properties of a vaporized nicotine solution, wherein the nicotine solution comprises:
(i) a carrier;
(ii) nicotine in unprotonated form and in protonated form; and
(iii) one or more acids, wherein at least benzoic acid is present; and
wherein the total content of acid present in the solution is no greater than 0.6 mole equivalents based on the nicotine.