Vitamin E Acetate is not Soluble in Nicotine E-liquids

Objectives: The emergence of electronic cigarette and vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) has ignited a nationwide discussion on the safety of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs). Although an official cause has not yet been announced, studies of products and biological samples from EVALI patients suggest vitamin E acetate may play a causal role in EVALI. This project sought to confirm whether or not vitamin E acetate can mix with nicotine e-liquids. Methods: Nicotine e-liquid formulations were created: 0.3 and 3.0% free-base nicotine or nicotine benzoate salt in either 100% PG, 100% VG, or equal parts PG/VG along with nicotine-free solvents. Each formulation was assayed for vitamin E acetate solubility at 10% and 1% wt/wt. Results: When added to each nicotine e-liquid formulation vitamin E acetate formed a visibly distinct layer at both 10% and 1%. The visibly distinct layers remained after sonication for 60 minutes at 60 degrees C Conclusions: Vitamin E acetate is not soluble in formulations of nicotine e-liquids and if mixed into a nicotine e-liquid will form a visibly distinct layer. Therefore, it is unlikely that nicotine-only e-cig users will be exposed to vitamin E acetate.