In addition to being utilized in cigarettes, nicotine has been marketed in the past as a greenhouse fumigant. Nicotine is classified in the amine functional group. This is evidenced by the attachment of various carbon groups to a nitrogen atom. Nicotine has a boiling and melting point of 247 C and -79 C, respectively. In a confined setting, nicotine vapors my cause eye, skin, and mucous membrane irritation.
Nicotine primarily effects the central nervous system as a stimulant.
Nicotine is believed to be responsible for most of the mood-altering effects and the addictive nature of smoking. It is believed that tobacco users quickly develop physical and psychological dependence. Psychological dependence on nicotine can be particularly strong because people associate smoking with specific activities such as social drinking, a night cap, and eating. Nicotine has also been found to reduce appetite due to changes in chemical balance. Individuals have found that while smoking weight gain was minimized.