Study of the mainstream cigarette smoke aerosols by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry coupled to laser/desorption and electrospray ionization - Additional insights on the heteroaromatic components.

Some insights into the composition of cigarette smoke inhaled by active smokers have been obtained. The ~1750 observed features revealed the huge complexity of cigarette smoke particles and the diversity of the possible associated health issues. Both heteroaromatic and highly oxygenated compounds produced by combustion and pyrolysis have been highlighted.