Cotinine

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Cotinine

IUPAC name	(S)-1-Methyl-5-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrrolidinone
Other names	1-Methyl-5-(3-pyridinyl)-2-pyrrolidinone S-(-)-Cotinine
Identifiers
CAS number	[486-56-6]
SMILES	O=C1CC[C@@H]([C@]2=CN=CC=C2)N1C
Properties
Molecular formula	C₁₀H₁₂N₂O
Molar mass	176.22 g/mol
Melting point	41 °C
Boiling point	250 °C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Cotinine is a metabolite of nicotine. The word 'cotinine' is an anagram of 'nicotine'. It is used to measure the grade of tobacco smoking, but might also improve mental function.

[edit] Measure of smoking

Cotinine has an in vivo half life of approximately 20 hours, and is typically detectable for several days to up to one week after the use of tobacco. The level of cotinine in the blood is proportionate to the amount of exposure to tobacco smoke, so it is a valuable indicator of tobacco smoke exposure, including secondary smoke. People who smoke menthol cigarettes may retain cotinine in the blood for a longer period.^[1] Race may also play a role, as black people routinely register higher blood cotinine levels than white people.^[2] Several variable factors, such as menthol cigarette preference and puff size, suggest that the explanation for this difference may be more complex than gender or race.

Drug tests can detect cotinine in the blood, urine, or saliva.

[edit] Mental function

There is some research being done on the effects of cotinine on memory and cognition. Some studies have suggested that cotinine (as well as nicotine) improves memory and prevents neuron death. For this reason it has been studied for effectiveness in treating schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases^[3]. There is research, however, which also suggests that nicotine and cotinine contribute to Alzheimer's disease in other ways which counter and maybe even negate the possible positive effects they might have.^[4]