Tobacco extract and method for producing the same, tobacco material, tobacco rod, flavor inhaler, and smokeless tobacco

Abstract

Provided is a method for producing a tobacco extract, the method making it possible to efficiently obtain an extract containing high-purity neofitadiene or alkane from a tobacco raw material, with a simple process. The method for producing a tobacco extract includes: a step 1 of preparing a tobacco raw material; a step 2 of subjecting the tobacco raw material to solid-liquid extraction using an aprotic solvent and removing solid components to obtain an organic phase; a step 3 of removing the aprotic solvent from the organic phase to obtain a residue; and a step 4 of subjecting the residue to vacuum distillation to obtain a tobacco extract containing neofitadiene and a tobacco extract containing alkane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco extract and a method for producing the same, a tobacco material, a tobacco rod, a flavor inhaler, and smokeless tobacco. Background Art

[0002] Neophytadiene is a volatile component contained in large amounts in tobacco leaves and is a diterpenoid with a molecular weight of 278.5. Neophytadiene exhibits liquid properties at normal temperature, has no odor as a single substance, and is known as a main component of smoke from combusted tobacco. Neophytadiene is also known as an additive for electronic cigarettes, as it improves mouthfeel and promotes a tobacco-like flavor (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] As methods for extracting and purifying neophytadiene from tobacco leaves, the methods disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 6 are known. However, in view of mass production through industrialization, these methods have a problem that a large amount of consumables such as organic solvents and chromatography stationary phases are required. Furthermore, since there is no step for effectively removing alkaloids such as pigments and nicotine, contrivances for reducing the content of these components before the final purification step are required.

[0004] On the other hand, alkanes are the main constituent components of the epicuticular wax, which is the outermost epidermis of tobacco leaves, and are contained in tobacco leaves in an amount of 5 to 10 mg per 1000 square centimeters. As a method for extracting and purifying alkanes from tobacco leaves, the method disclosed in, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 is known. However, in the above method, components such as nicotine are broadly eluted, and thus these components remain until the final step. That is, although purity is generally discussed as an index for the extract as a product, undetectable contamination as described above may be a concern in high-purity purification methods. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-529893 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 2444384 [Patent Document 3] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 106501420 Specification [Patent Document 4] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 110041303 Specification [Patent Document 5] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 111233611 Specification [Patent Document 6] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 114805004 Specification [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Agricultural and Biological Chemistry,44(9),2110-2124,1980 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The conventional methods described above do not easily and efficiently yield extracts containing neophytadienes or alkanes from tobacco raw materials, and further improvements are desired.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a tobacco extract that can efficiently obtain an extract containing high purity neophytadiene or alkane from tobacco raw materials in a simple manner, a tobacco extract produced by this method, a tobacco material containing the tobacco extract, a tobacco rod, a flavor inhaler, and smokeless tobacco. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0010] [1] Step 1 of preparing tobacco raw materials, Step 2: subjecting the tobacco raw material to solid-liquid extraction using an aprotic solvent, removing solids to obtain an organic phase, Step 3: removing the aprotic solvent from the organic phase to obtain a residue, Step 4: subjecting the residue to vacuum distillation to obtain a tobacco extract containing neophytadiene and a tobacco extract containing alkanes, A method for producing a tobacco extract, comprising:

[0011] [2] The method according to [1], wherein the aprotic solvent is a water-insoluble organic solvent.

[0012] [3] The method according to [2], wherein the water-insoluble organic solvent is a hydrocarbon having 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

[0013] [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising Step 5, between Step 2 and Step 3, of subjecting the organic phase to liquid-liquid extraction using water or an aqueous acid solution, and removing the aqueous phase.

[0014] [5] The method according to [4], wherein the aqueous acid solution is an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, citric acid, or oxalic acid.

[0015] [6] The method according to [4] or [5], wherein the pH of the aqueous acid solution is less than 7.

[0016] [7] The method according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising Step 6, between Step 2 and Step 3, of subjecting the organic phase obtained in Step 2 or Step 5 to normal phase chromatography using n-hexane as a mobile phase.

[0017] [8] A tobacco extract containing neophytadiene or an alkane, produced by the method according to any one of [1] to [7].

[0018] [9] The tobacco extract according to [8], wherein the tobacco extract containing neophytadiene contains 80 mass% or more of neophytadiene.

[0019]

[10] The tobacco extract comprising neophytadiene according to [8], wherein the tobacco extract comprising neophytadiene contains 90 mass% or more of neophytadiene.

[0020]

[11] The tobacco extract comprising an alkane according to [8], wherein the tobacco extract comprising an alkane contains 50 mass% or more of the alkane.

[0021]

[12] The tobacco extract according to [8], wherein the alkane has 25 to 35 carbon atoms.

[0022]

[13] A tobacco material comprising the tobacco extract according to any one of [8] to

[12] .

[0023]

[14] The tobacco material according to

[13] , which is a flavorant for tobacco, a tobacco sheet, or cut tobacco.

[0024]

[15] The tobacco material according to

[13] or

[14] , which contains 3500 ppm or more of neophytadiene and 5000 ppm or more of the alkane.

[0025]

[16] A tobacco rod comprising the tobacco material according to any one of

[13] to

[15] .

[0026]

[17] A flavor inhaler comprising the tobacco rod according to

[16] .

[0027]

[18] The flavor inhaler according to

[17] , which is a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler or a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler.

[0028]

[19] A smokeless tobacco comprising the tobacco material according to any one of

[13] to

[15] . Effects of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, there can be provided a method for producing a tobacco extract, which enables efficient obtainment of an extract comprising high-purity neophytadiene or alkane from a tobacco raw material by a simple method, a tobacco extract produced by the method, and a tobacco material, a tobacco rod, a flavor inhaler, and a smokeless tobacco comprising the tobacco extract. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This flowchart shows an example of the method according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a non-combustion heating type flavor suction system according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tobacco capsule for a non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a power supply unit for a non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cartridge for a non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cartridge for a non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This is the chromatogram of organic phase 1 obtained in step 2 of Example 1. [Figure 10] This is the chromatogram of organic phase 3 obtained in step 6 of Example 1. [Figure 11] This is the chromatogram of the fraction obtained in step 4 of Example 1 at a heating temperature of 125°C. [Figure 12] This is the chromatogram of the fraction obtained in step 4 of Example 1 at a heating temperature of 160°C. [Figure 13] This is a chromatogram of the residue obtained in step 4 of Example 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] [Method for producing tobacco extract] The method for producing tobacco extract according to this embodiment includes the following steps: Step 1: preparing tobacco raw materials; Step 2: subjecting the tobacco raw materials to solid-liquid extraction using an aprotic solvent to remove solids and obtain an organic phase; Step 3: removing the aprotic solvent from the organic phase to obtain a residue; and Step 4: subjecting the residue to vacuum distillation to obtain a tobacco extract containing neophytadiene and a tobacco extract containing alkanes.

[0032] In the method for producing tobacco extract according to this embodiment, the amount of organic solvent and stationary phase used can be reduced by performing vacuum distillation on the crude extract obtained from tobacco raw materials, and tobacco-derived pigments and alkaloids, which are a concern in the purification process, can be removed in advance. Therefore, according to this method, a high-purity extract containing neophytadiene or alkane can be obtained efficiently from tobacco raw materials in a simple manner.

[0033] The method according to this embodiment may further include other steps in addition to steps 1 to 4 described above. For example, between steps 2 and 3, a step 5 may be included in which the organic phase from step 2 is subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using water or an acidic aqueous solution to remove the aqueous phase. Alternatively, between steps 2 and 3, a step 6 may be included in which the organic phase obtained in step 2 or step 5 is subjected to normal-phase chromatography using n-hexane as the mobile phase. A flowchart of an example of the method according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 1. The details of each step in the method according to this embodiment will be described below, but the method according to this embodiment is not limited to these steps.

[0034] (Process 1) In this process, tobacco raw materials are prepared. The tobacco raw materials are not particularly limited as long as they contain tobacco components, but for example, tobacco leaves can be used. The types of tobacco leaves are not particularly limited, but examples include yellow varieties, Burley varieties, Oriental varieties, native varieties, other Nicotiana-tabacum varieties, Nicotiana-rustica varieties, etc. One type of tobacco leaf variety may be used, or two or more may be used in combination. Among these, at least one type of tobacco leaf selected from the group consisting of yellow varieties and Burley varieties is preferred from the viewpoint of containing a large amount of neophytadiene and alkanes, and yellow varieties are more preferred. The form of the tobacco leaf is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving extraction efficiency, finely powdered tobacco leaf is preferred. As for the tobacco leaf, solid material discharged as waste from the tobacco leaf expansion process or finely powdered tobacco leaf discharged from the tobacco leaf raw material factory may be used.

[0035] (Process 2) In this step, the tobacco raw material from step 1 is subjected to solid-liquid extraction using an aprotic solvent to remove solid components and obtain an organic phase. This step extracts neophytadiene and alkanes contained in the tobacco raw material as crude extracts. As the aprotic solvent used for extraction, a water-insoluble organic solvent is preferred, and a hydrocarbon having 5 or 6 carbon atoms is more preferred, from the viewpoint of being able to extract neophytadiene and alkanes more selectively. Specifically, hexane or heptane are preferred as the aprotic solvent.

[0036] The amount of aprotic solvent added is preferably 100 parts by mass or more, and more preferably 300 to 1000 parts by mass, of aprotic solvent per 100 parts by mass of tobacco raw material. The extraction operation can be carried out by stirring the aprotic solvent containing the tobacco raw material. The extraction temperature is preferably 20 to 50°C, and the extraction time is preferably 5 minutes or more, and more preferably 3 hours or more. The solid residue of the extraction can be removed, for example, by filtering using a stainless steel mesh to separate the organic phase from the solid.

[0037] (Step 5) In this step, the organic phase from step 2 is subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using water or an acidic aqueous solution to remove the aqueous phase. In the method according to this embodiment, this step is optional and, if performed, is carried out between step 2 and step 3, which will be described later. However, since performing this step allows for more effective removal of alkaloids such as nicotine, it is preferable that the method according to this embodiment includes this step. The acidic aqueous solution is preferably an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, citric acid, or oxalic acid. The pH of the acidic aqueous solution is preferably less than 7, more preferably 3 or less, and even more preferably 1 to 3, from the viewpoint of making it easier for alkaloids such as nicotine to migrate to the aqueous layer. In this specification, the pH of the acidic aqueous solution is the value measured using a benchtop pH meter (product name, manufactured by HORIBA).

[0038] When the extraction solvent is water, the volume ratio of the organic phase to water in step 2 (organic phase:water) is preferably 1 to 100:100, and more preferably 10 to 100:100. When the extraction solvent is an acidic aqueous solution, the volume ratio of the organic phase to the acidic aqueous solution in step 2 (organic phase:acidic aqueous solution) is preferably 1 to 1000:100, and more preferably 10 to 500:100, although this depends on the pH of the acidic aqueous solution. The liquid-liquid extraction operation can be carried out by stirring the mixed solution. For example, a stirrer can be used in a batch system, or a countercurrent distribution extractor such as a Settler mixer or a multi-stage liquid-liquid extraction column can be used in a continuous system. The extraction temperature is preferably 0 to 30°C, and the extraction time is preferably 1 to 60 minutes. In addition, a salt such as sodium chloride may be added to the mixed solution when performing liquid-liquid extraction. A drying agent such as anhydrous sodium sulfate may be added to the extract obtained by separating and removing the aqueous phase to perform a dehydration operation in the extract.

[0039] (Step 6) In this step, the organic phase obtained in step 2 or step 5 is subjected to normal-phase chromatography using n-hexane as the mobile phase. In the method according to this embodiment, this step is optional and, if performed, is carried out between step 2 (or step 5, if performed) and step 3, which will be described later. However, since performing this step allows for more effective removal of impurities, the method according to this embodiment preferably includes this step.

[0040] The organic phase obtained in step 2 or step 5 can be concentrated using an evaporator or the like before being subjected to normal-phase chromatography. While the normal-phase chromatography is not particularly limited, commercially available silica gel (e.g., Wakosil C-300, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) can be used. When using normal-phase chromatography, the separation operation can be performed under the following conditions, for example. • Column: Silica gel column chromatography (approx. 60mm x 180mm) • Mobile phase: n-hexane When performing the separation operation under the above conditions, the eluted fraction is fractionated using a mobile phase equal to or twice the volume of the silica gel used, and the fractionated fraction is recovered to obtain the organic phase after normal-phase chromatography.

[0041] (Step 3) In this step, the aprotic solvent is removed from the organic phase obtained in step 2, step 5, or step 6 to obtain a residue. The removal of the aprotic solvent can be carried out, for example, by an evaporator.

[0042] (Step 4) In this step, the residue obtained in step 3 is subjected to vacuum distillation. This yields a tobacco extract containing neophytadiene as a fraction and a tobacco extract containing alkanes as a residue. Vacuum distillation can be carried out using, for example, a glass tube oven or a short-pass evaporator. The pressure in vacuum distillation is preferably 20 to 1000 Pa in absolute pressure. The temperature in vacuum distillation depends on the pressure during distillation, but is preferably 120 to 230°C. For example, if the pressure in vacuum distillation is 20 Pa in absolute pressure, the temperature can be 120 to 150°C. Also, if the pressure in vacuum distillation is 1000 Pa in absolute pressure, the temperature can be 190 to 230°C. The duration of vacuum distillation depends on the apparatus and the pressure and temperature during distillation, but is preferably 1 minute to 6 hours, and more preferably 5 minutes to 3 hours.

[0043] [Tobacco extract] The tobacco extract according to this embodiment is produced by the method for producing the tobacco extract according to this embodiment and contains neophytadiene or an alkane. As described above, the tobacco extract containing neophytadiene is obtained as a fraction of the vacuum distillation in step 4, and the tobacco extract containing an alkane is obtained as a residue of the vacuum distillation in step 4. The alkane can be an alkane having 25 to 35 carbon atoms. The tobacco extract according to this embodiment is highly pure because it is produced by the method for producing the tobacco extract according to this embodiment, and has a low content of pigments and alkaloids such as nicotine.

[0044] The tobacco extract containing neophytadiene according to this embodiment preferably contains 80% by mass or more of neophytadiene, more preferably 90% by mass or more, even more preferably 95% by mass or more, and particularly preferably 97% by mass or more. Furthermore, the tobacco extract containing neophytadiene according to this embodiment preferably contains 1% by mass or less of nicotine, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and particularly preferably contains no nicotine at all.

[0045] The tobacco extract containing alkanes according to this embodiment preferably contains 50% by mass or more of alkanes, and particularly preferably 55% by mass or more. Furthermore, the tobacco extract containing alkanes according to this embodiment preferably contains 1% by mass or less of nicotine, more preferably 0.1% by mass or less, and particularly preferably contains no nicotine at all. The content of neophytadiene and alkanes in the tobacco extract can be measured by GC-MS analysis.

[0046] [Tobacco materials] The tobacco material according to this embodiment includes the tobacco extract according to this embodiment. The tobacco material according to this embodiment may contain, for example, 3500 ppm or more of neophytadiene and 5000 ppm or more of alkanes. The tobacco material according to this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it includes the tobacco extract according to this embodiment, but examples include tobacco flavoring agents such as liquid fragrances, tobacco sheets, and tobacco chips.

[0047] A tobacco sheet is a sheet obtained by molding a composition containing matured tobacco leaves. The matured tobacco leaves used in the tobacco sheet are not particularly limited, but examples include those that have been deboned and separated into lamina and midbone. Matured tobacco leaves refer to tobacco leaves that have undergone treatment such as curing and long-term storage in a warehouse, etc. In this embodiment, "sheet" refers to a material having a pair of substantially parallel main surfaces and side surfaces. Tobacco sheets can be molded by known methods such as papermaking, casting, and rolling. Details of various tobacco sheets molded by such methods are disclosed in "The Tobacco Encyclopedia, Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009". The manner in which the tobacco extract according to this embodiment is added to the tobacco sheet is not limited.

[0048] For example, the tobacco extract according to this embodiment may be dissolved in a solvent to prepare a solution of tobacco flavoring, which may then be sprayed or impregnated onto the finished tobacco sheet, or the tobacco extract according to this embodiment may be added when forming the tobacco sheet. For example, in the papermaking method, water-soluble components are extracted from matured tobacco leaves and separated into a water extract and residue, a mixture of the fibrous residue and pulp is made into paper, and a concentrated solution of the water extract is added to the paper-made sheet, in which case the tobacco extract according to this embodiment can be added to the water extract. In the casting method, water, pulp, binder, and crushed matured tobacco are mixed to form a mixture, which is then cast, in which case the tobacco extract according to this embodiment can be added to this mixture. In the rolling method, water, pulp, binder, and crushed matured tobacco are mixed to form a mixture, which is then fed into a plurality of rolling rollers and rolled, in which case the tobacco extract according to this embodiment can be added to this mixture.

[0049] Furthermore, as described in International Publication No. 2014 / 104078, a nonwoven tobacco sheet can be obtained by mixing aged tobacco powder with a binder to form a mixture, sandwiching this mixture between nonwoven fabrics, and shaping the laminate into a certain form by heat welding. In this method, the tobacco extract according to this embodiment can be added to the mixture.

[0050] Tobacco sheets may contain an aerosol-generating substrate. The type of aerosol-generating substrate is not particularly limited, and various natural extracts or their components can be selected depending on the application. Specific examples of aerosol-generating substrates include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol-generating substrate can be adjusted to various amounts depending on the form used in the tobacco product. For example, when an aerosol-generating substrate is included in a tobacco sheet, its content is usually 5% by mass or more, preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, and usually 50% by mass or less, preferably 40% by mass or less, and more preferably 25% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the tobacco sheet, from the viewpoint of obtaining a good flavor.

[0051] Examples of tobacco scraps include aged tobacco leaves cut to a predetermined size, the aforementioned tobacco sheets cut to a predetermined size, or a mixture thereof. The size is not limited, and as an example, a width of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and a length of 3 to 10 mm can be used. Tobacco scraps of this size are preferred in the embodiment in which they are filled into a filler described later. In addition, as tobacco scraps, strand-type scraps can be made by cutting processed tobacco leaves to a width of 0.5 to 2.0 mm and a length longer than the aforementioned tobacco scraps, preferably to a length similar to that of a rolling paper. The tobacco extract according to this embodiment may be added to the tobacco scraps or to the raw materials before cutting.

[0052] The tobacco shreds may contain the aerosol-generating substrate. When the tobacco shreds contain the aerosol-generating substrate, the amount contained therein is usually 5% by mass or more, preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 15% by mass or more, and usually 50% by mass or less, preferably 40% by mass or less, and more preferably 25% by mass or less, relative to the mass of the tobacco shreds, from the viewpoint of generating a sufficient amount of aerosol and obtaining a good flavor.

[0053] [Tobacco rods, flavor inhalers] The tobacco rod according to this embodiment includes the tobacco material according to this embodiment. The flavor inhaler according to this embodiment includes the tobacco rod according to this embodiment. The flavor inhaler according to this embodiment may be a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler or a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler.

[0054] In this embodiment, "flavor inhaler" refers to an item used by the user to inhale flavors. Flavor inhalers are broadly classified into "combustion-type flavor inhalers" that generate flavors through combustion, and "non-combustion-type flavor inhalers" that generate flavors without combustion. Furthermore, non-combustion-type flavor inhalers are broadly classified into "non-combustion heating-type flavor inhalers" that generate flavors through heating, and "non-combustion non-heating-type flavor inhalers" that generate flavors without heating. In addition, a combination of a device for generating aerosols (such as a heating device or atomizing device) and a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhaler is also referred to as a non-combustion heating-type flavor inhalation system.

[0055] (Non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler) Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 20 comprises a tobacco rod 20A, a cylindrical cooling section 20B having perforations on its circumference, and a filter section 20C. The non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 20 may have other components. The axial length of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 20 is not limited, but is preferably 40 to 90 mm, more preferably 50 to 75 mm, and even more preferably 50 to 60 mm or less. The circumference of the non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 20 is preferably 16 to 25 mm, more preferably 20 to 24 mm, and even more preferably 21 to 23 mm. For example, an embodiment can be given in which the length of the tobacco rod 20A is 20 mm, the length of the cooling section 20B is 20 mm, and the length of the filter section 20C is 7 mm. The lengths of these individual components can be appropriately changed according to manufacturability, required quality, etc. Figure 2 shows an configuration in which the first segment 25 is arranged, but it is also possible to omit the first segment and arrange only the second segment 26 downstream of the cooling unit 20B.

[0056] (1) Tobacco Rod 20A The tobacco rod 20A can use tobacco filler 21, which may be tobacco cuts or tobacco sheets containing tobacco extract according to this embodiment. The method of filling the tobacco filler 21 into the rolling paper 22 is not particularly limited, but for example, the tobacco filler 21 may be wrapped in the rolling paper 22, or the tobacco filler 21 may be filled into a cylindrical rolling paper 22. If the shape of the tobacco has a longitudinal direction, such as a rectangular shape, the tobacco may be filled so that the longitudinal direction is in an unspecified direction within the rolling paper 22, or it may be filled aligned in the axial direction of the tobacco rod 20A or in a direction perpendicular to it. When the tobacco rod 20A is heated, the tobacco components, aerosol generating base material and water contained in the tobacco filler 21 vaporize and are made available for inhalation.

[0057] (2) Cooling section 20B The cooling section 20B is preferably composed of a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member may be, for example, a paper tube 23 made by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the cooling section 20B may be formed from a sheet of thin material that is wrinkled, then pleated, gathered, or folded to form a channel. As such a material, a sheet material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, and aluminum foil can be used. The total surface area of ​​the cooling section 20B is appropriately adjusted considering the cooling efficiency, for example, 300 to 1000 mm². 2 The diameter can be set to / mm. Preferably, the cooling section 20B is provided with perforations 24. Due to the presence of the perforations 24, outside air is introduced into the cooling section 20B when suction occurs. As a result, the aerosol vaporized components generated by the heating of the tobacco rod 20A come into contact with the outside air, and their temperature decreases, causing them to liquefy and form an aerosol. The diameter (extension length) of the perforations 24 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The number of perforations 24 is not particularly limited and may be one or two or more. For example, multiple perforations 24 may be provided around the cooling section 20B.

[0058] The cooling section 20B can have a rod shape with an axial length of, for example, 7 to 28 mm. For example, the axial length of the cooling section 20B can be 18 mm. The cooling section 20B has a substantially circular axial cross-sectional shape and a diameter of 5 to 10 mm. For example, the diameter of the cooling section can be approximately 7 mm.

[0059] (3) Filter section 20C The configuration of the filter section 20C is not particularly limited, but may consist of one or more packed layers. The outside of the packed layers may be wrapped with one or more sheets of wrapping paper. The air permeability resistance of the filter section 20C can be appropriately changed by the amount and material of the packing material packed into the filter section 20C. For example, if the packing material is cellulose acetate fiber, the air permeability resistance can be increased by increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fiber packed into the filter section 20C. When the packing material is cellulose acetate fiber, the packing density of the cellulose acetate fiber is 0.13 to 0.18 g / cm³. 3 This can be the case. The aforementioned airflow resistance is a value measured by an airflow resistance meter (product name: SODIMAX, manufactured by SODIM).

[0060] The circumference of the filter section 20C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 16 to 25 mm, more preferably 20 to 24 mm, and even more preferably 21 to 23 mm. The axial length (horizontal direction in Figure 2) of the filter section 20C can be selected from 4 to 10 mm, and is selected so that its airflow resistance is 15 to 60 mmH2O / seg. The axial length of the filter section 20C is preferably 5 to 9 mm, and more preferably 6 to 8 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the filter section 20C is not particularly limited, but can be circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. In addition, destructible capsules containing fragrance, fragrance beads, or fragrance may be directly added to the filter section 20C.

[0061] The filter section 20C may have a center hole as the first segment 25. The center hole is composed of a first filling layer 25a having one or more hollow sections and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) 25b covering the filling layer. The center hole has the function of increasing the strength of the mouthpiece section. The center hole may not have an inner plug wrapper 25b and its shape may be maintained by thermoforming. The first filling layer 25a can be, for example, a rod with an inner diameter of φ5.0 to φ1.0 mm, in which cellulose acetate fibers are densely packed and a plasticizer containing triacetin is added at a rate of 6 to 20% by mass relative to the mass of cellulose acetate and then hardened. Because the first filling layer 25a has a high fiber packing density, when inhaled, air and aerosols flow only through the hollow sections, and hardly any flow occurs inside the first filling layer 25a. Since the first filling layer 25a of the center hole is a fiber filling layer, the feel from the outside during use is less likely to cause discomfort to the user. The filter section 20C may have a second segment 26. The second segment 26 consists of a second packed layer 26a and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) 26b that covers the packed layer.

[0062] The first segment 25 and the second segment 26 are connected by an outer plug wrapper (outer wrapping paper) 27. The outer plug wrapper 27 can be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper. The tobacco rod 20A, the cooling section 20B, and the connected first segment 25 and second segment 26 are connected by a mouthpiece lining paper 28. These connections can be made, for example, by applying an adhesive such as vinyl acetate adhesive to the inner surface of the mouthpiece lining paper 28 and wrapping the three components around it. These components may be connected in multiple stages using multiple lining papers.

[0063] (Non-combustion heating type flavor extraction system) An example of a non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the non-combustion heating type flavor inhalation system comprises a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 20 and a heating device 10 that heats the tobacco rod 20A from the outside.

[0064] The heating device 10 comprises a body 11, a heater 12, a metal tube 13, a battery unit 14, and a control unit 15. The body 11 has a cylindrical recess 16, and the heater 12 and the metal tube 13 are positioned in a location corresponding to the tobacco rod 20A inserted into this recess. The heater 13 can be an electrical resistance heater, and power is supplied from the battery unit 14 according to instructions from the temperature control unit 15, causing the heater 12 to heat. The heat emitted from the heater 12 is transferred to the tobacco rod 20A through the metal tube 13, which has high thermal conductivity. Figure 3 shows a configuration in which the heating device 10 heats the tobacco rod 20A from the outside, but it may also heat from the inside. The heating temperature of the heating device 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 400°C or less, more preferably 150 to 400°C, and even more preferably 200 to 350°C. The heating temperature refers to the temperature of the heater 12 of the heating device 10.

[0065] (Non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler) Figure 4 shows one embodiment of a non-combustion, non-heating flavor inhaler according to this embodiment. The non-combustion, non-heating flavor inhaler 30 comprises a power supply unit 30D, a cartridge 30E, and a tobacco capsule 30F. The non-combustion, non-heating flavor inhaler 30 has a shape that extends from the non-mouthpiece end u (upstream) to the mouthpiece end d (downstream). The cartridge 30E is detachable from the power supply unit 30D. The tobacco capsule 30F is also detachable from the cartridge 30E.

[0066] (1) Tobacco capsules Figure 5 shows an example of a tobacco capsule 30F. As shown in Figure 5, the tobacco capsule 30F is a tobacco rod and contains a flavor source 300 inside. The flavor source 300 contains tobacco material according to this embodiment. The tobacco capsule 30F is connected to a cartridge 30E. Specifically, a portion of the tobacco capsule 30F is housed within the cartridge 30E.

[0067] The tobacco capsule 30F comprises a container 310 for housing the flavor source 300, a mesh body 320, a nonwoven fabric 330, and a cap 340. The aerosol atomized by the atomizing unit 220 (described later) is introduced into the container 310 through the mesh body 320 and, upon contact with the flavor source 300, is imparted with flavor. The aerosol is then inhaled by the user through the nonwoven fabric 330. In this way, the non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler 30 can impart flavor to the aerosol without heating the flavor source 300. Furthermore, virtually no aerosol is generated from the flavor source 300.

[0068] In the direction of aerosol flow, the length of the tobacco capsule 30F (container 310) is preferably 40 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm or less. Furthermore, in the direction of aerosol flow, the length is preferably 1 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more. In the direction perpendicular to the direction of aerosol flow, the maximum length of the container 310 of the tobacco capsule 30F (container 310) is preferably 20 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or less. Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the direction of aerosol flow, the maximum length of the tobacco capsule 30F (container 310) is preferably 1 mm or more, and more preferably 3 mm or more.

[0069] The tobacco-containing flavor source 300 is composed of raw material pieces that impart flavor to the aerosol. The lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces is preferably 0.2 to 1.2 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.7 mm. The smaller the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 300, the greater the specific surface area, and therefore the easier it is for flavor components to be released. As the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 300, shredded tobacco containing the tobacco extract according to this embodiment, or a molded body formed from the tobacco material according to this embodiment into granules can be used. The flavor source 300 may also contain plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.) or flavorings such as menthol. Furthermore, the tobacco-containing flavor source 300 may also contain flavoring agents. Examples of flavoring agents include materials that exhibit sweetness, sourness, saltiness, umami, bitterness, astringency, richness, spiciness, astringency, etc. Examples of materials that exhibit sweetness include sugars, sugar alcohols, and sweeteners. Sugars include, for example, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Sweeteners include, for example, natural sweeteners and synthetic sweeteners.

[0070] The raw material pieces are obtained, for example, by sieving in accordance with JIS Z 8815 using a stainless steel sieve in accordance with JIS Z 8801. For example, using a stainless steel sieve with a mesh size of 0.71 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes using a dry and mechanical shaking method to obtain raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve with a mesh size of 0.71 mm. Subsequently, using a stainless steel sieve with a mesh size of 0.212 mm, the raw material pieces are sieved for 20 minutes using a dry and mechanical shaking method to remove raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve with a mesh size of 0.212 mm. In other words, the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source 300 are raw material pieces that pass through the stainless steel sieve defining the upper limit (mesh size = 0.71 mm) and do not pass through the stainless steel sieve defining the lower limit (mesh size = 0.212 mm). Therefore, the lower limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 300 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve that defines the lower limit. Similarly, the upper limit of the size of the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 300 is defined by the mesh size of the stainless steel sieve that defines the upper limit.

[0071] From the viewpoint of good flavor, the amount of flavor source 300 contained in the container 310 is preferably 300 mg or more, and more preferably 350 mg or more.

[0072] (2) Power supply unit An example of a power supply unit 30D is shown in Figure 6. The power supply unit 30D has a battery 110. The battery 110 may be a disposable type battery or a rechargeable type battery. The initial output voltage of the battery 110 is preferably in the range of 1.2V to 4.2V. The battery capacity of the battery 110 is preferably in the range of 100mAh to 1000mAh.

[0073] (3) Cartridge An example of cartridge 30E is shown in Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an example of cartridge 30E, and Figure 8 is a diagram showing its internal structure. Cartridge 30E has a reservoir 210, an atomizing section 220, a flow path forming body 230, an outer frame 240, and an end cap 250. Cartridge 30E has a first flow path 200X as an aerosol flow path, which is located downstream of the atomizing section 220.

[0074] The reservoir 210 stores the aerosol source 200. The reservoir 210 is located around the flow channel forming body 230 in a cross section perpendicular to the aerosol flow direction (direction from the non-inlet end to the inlet end (upstream to downstream)). The reservoir 210 is located in the gap between the flow channel forming body 230 and the outer frame 240. The reservoir 210 is made of a porous material such as a resin web or cotton. Alternatively, the reservoir 210 may be made of a tank that contains the liquid aerosol source 200. Examples of the aerosol source 200 include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0075] The atomizing unit 220 atomizes the aerosol source 200 without combustion using power supplied from the battery 110. The atomizing unit 220 is composed of heating wires (coils) wound at a predetermined pitch. Preferably, the atomizing unit 220 is composed of heating wires having a resistance value in the range of 1.0 to 3.0 Ω. The predetermined pitch is preferably greater than or equal to the value at which the heating wires do not come into contact, and also preferably smaller. Preferably, the predetermined pitch is, for example, 0.40 mm or less. Preferably, the predetermined pitch is constant in order to stabilize the atomization of the aerosol source 200. The predetermined pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent heating wires.

[0076] The channel forming body 230 has a cylindrical shape that forms a first channel 200X extending along the direction of aerosol flow. The outer frame 240 has a cylindrical shape that houses the channel forming body 230. The outer frame 240 extends downstream of the end cap 250 and houses a portion of the tobacco capsule 30F. The end cap 250 is a cap that closes the gap between the channel forming body 230 and the outer frame 240 from the downstream side. The end cap 250 prevents the aerosol source 200 stored in the reservoir 210 from leaking to the tobacco capsule 30F.

[0077] [Smokeless tobacco] The smokeless tobacco according to this embodiment includes the tobacco material according to this embodiment. Examples of smokeless tobacco according to this embodiment include heated tobacco products and e-cigarettes. [Examples]

[0078] The following describes specific examples of this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0079] [Example 1] (Process 1) We obtained crushed tobacco leaves, which are discharged during the tobacco manufacturing process. The average particle size (D50) of the crushed tobacco was approximately 0.2 to 5 mm.

[0080] (Process 2) 500 g of the pulverized product was subjected to solid-liquid extraction using hexane. The pulverized product and hexane were mixed in a weight ratio of 1:3.5 (pulverized product:hexane) and immersed at 20°C for 48 hours. After that, organic phase 1 was obtained by filtering out the solid components. Figure 9 shows the results of GC-MS analysis of organic phase 1.

[0081] (Step 5) The organic phase 1 was subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using an acidic aqueous solution containing 0.1% by mass sulfuric acid and 10% by mass sodium chloride, with a pH of 2. The volume ratio of the organic phase 1 to the acidic aqueous solution (organic phase 1: acidic aqueous solution) was 100:100. The extraction temperature was 20°C and the extraction time was 1 hour. Liquid-liquid extraction was performed using a separatory funnel, and the aqueous phase was removed to obtain organic phase 2.

[0082] (Step 6) The aforementioned organic phase 2 was concentrated using an evaporator (product name: R-300, manufactured by Nippon Büch), and the concentrate was subjected to normal-phase chromatography using n-hexane as the mobile phase. Specifically, silica gel (Wakosil C-300, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) was used for normal-phase chromatography, and the separation operation was performed under the following conditions. • Column: Silica gel column chromatography (approx. 60mm x 180mm) • Mobile phase: n-hexane The aforementioned concentrate was prepared to approximately 10% of the silica gel volume, and hexane at 150% of the silica gel volume was used as the mobile phase. By collecting all of the eluent obtained by flowing the mobile phase, organic phase 3 was obtained after normal-phase chromatography. Figure 10 shows the results of GC-MS analysis of organic phase 3.

[0083] (Step 3) Approximately 2.6 g of residue was obtained by distilling off the aprotic solvent (n-hexane) from the organic phase 3 using an evaporator.

[0084] (Step 4) The aforementioned 1.0 g of residue was subjected to a glass tube oven (product name: GTO-1000, manufactured by Shibata Chemical Co., Ltd.) and vacuum distillation was carried out under conditions in which substances with a boiling point of 350-400°C at atmospheric pressure volatilized. Specifically, the aforementioned 1.0 g of residue was placed in a 10 ml glass container and distillation was carried out under reduced pressure of 30 Pa absolute pressure, a heating temperature of 125-160°C, and a heating time of 1 hour, yielding a fraction of 0.06 g recovered in a φ30 mm glass cooling sphere.

[0085] The obtained fraction was a colorless, transparent liquid at room temperature. Diluting the fraction with n-hexane and analyzing it by GC-MS yielded the chromatograms shown in Figure 11 (fraction obtained at a heating temperature of 125°C) and Figure 12 (fraction obtained at a heating temperature of 160°C). The main peak in Figures 11 and 12 was neophytadiene (RT 39.27 min, m / z = 278), with peak area ratios of 97.7% at 125°C and 86.9% at 160°C. The obtained residue was a white solid at room temperature. Dissolving the residue in n-hexane and analyzing it by GC-MS yielded the chromatogram shown in Figure 13. The main peak in Figure 13 was alkanes with 25 to 35 carbon atoms. The peak area ratio of alkanes was 58.0%. The GC-MS analysis conditions in this example are shown below.

[0086] Oven: 40°C (3 min.) → 4°C / min. → 280°C (20 min.) Runtime: 83 min. Injection volume 1μl Injection mode: Split (10:1) Inlet temperature 270℃ Septum purging flow rate: 5 ml / min. Gas saver off Transfer line temperature: 280℃ Column HP-5MS (30m*0.25mm*0.25μm) Column flow rate: 1 ml / min (constant flow mode) Solvent waiting time: 4 min. Gain coefficient 1 Measurement mode: Scan Mass range 26~450 Threshold 50 Sampling rate 2 MS ion source temperature: 230℃ MS quadrupole temperature 150℃

[0087] Under the GC-MS analysis conditions described above, alkaloids such as nicotine are detected around R.T25min. However, in the chromatograms shown in Figures 11 to 13, no peaks corresponding to alkaloids such as nicotine were observed, and the levels were below the limit of quantification (0.005 mg / ml). From these findings, it was found that the method according to this embodiment yields a highly purified tobacco extract containing neophytadiene and a tobacco extract containing alkanes, with alkaloids and pigments sufficiently removed.

[0088] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0089] [1] Step 1 of preparing tobacco raw materials, Step 2 involves subjecting the aforementioned tobacco raw material to solid-liquid extraction using an aprotic solvent to remove solid components and obtain an organic phase. Step 3 involves removing the aprotic solvent from the organic phase to obtain a residue, Step 4 involves subjecting the aforementioned residue to vacuum distillation to obtain a tobacco extract containing neophytadiene and a tobacco extract containing alkanes, A method for producing tobacco extract, including [the specified component].

[0090] [2] The method according to [1], wherein the aprotic solvent is a water-insoluble organic solvent.

[0091] [3] The method according to [2], wherein the non-water-soluble organic solvent is a hydrocarbon having 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

[0092] [4] The method according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising step 5 between step 2 and step 3, in which the organic phase is subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using water or an acidic aqueous solution to remove the aqueous phase.

[0093] [5] The method according to [4], wherein the acidic aqueous solution is an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, citric acid, or oxalic acid.

[0094] [6] The method according to [4] or [5], wherein the pH of the acidic aqueous solution is less than 7.

[0095] [7] The method according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a step 6 between step 2 and step 3, in which the organic phase obtained in step 2 or step 5 is subjected to normal-phase chromatography using n-hexane as the mobile phase.

[0096] A tobacco extract containing a neophytadiene or alkane, manufactured by any of the methods described in [8][1] to [7].

[0097] [9] The tobacco extract containing neophytadiene, comprising 80% by mass or more of neophytadiene, as described in [8].

[0098]

[10] The tobacco extract containing neophytadiene, comprising 90% by mass or more of neophytadiene, as described in [8].

[0099]

[11] The tobacco extract containing an alkane, comprising 50% by mass or more of the alkane, as described in [8].

[0100]

[12] The tobacco extract according to [8], wherein the alkane has 25 to 35 carbon atoms.

[0101] Tobacco material containing a tobacco extract as described in any of

[13] [8] to

[12] .

[0102]

[14] Tobacco material as described in

[13] , which is a tobacco flavoring agent, tobacco sheet, or tobacco chips.

[0103]

[15] The tobacco material described in

[13] or

[14] , comprising 3500 ppm or more of neophytadiene and 5000 ppm or more of alkanes.

[0104] A tobacco rod containing any of the tobacco materials described in

[16] ,

[13] , or

[15] .

[0105] A flavor inhaler including the tobacco rod described in

[17]

[16] .

[0106]

[18] The flavor inhaler described in

[17] , which is a non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler or a non-combustion non-heating type flavor inhaler.

[0107] Smokeless tobacco containing any of the tobacco materials described in

[19] ,

[13] , or

[15] . [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 10 Heating device 11 Body 12 Heater 13 Metal tube 14 Battery Unit 15 Control Unit 16 recesses 17 ventilation holes 20 Non-combustion heating type flavor inhaler 20A Tobacco Rod Section 20B Cooling section 20C filter section 21 Tobacco Fillings 22 rolls of paper 23 Paper tube 24 perforation 25. Segment 1 25a 1st packed bed 25b Inner Plug Wrapper 26. Segment 2 26a 2nd packed bed 26b Inner Plug Wrapper 27 Outer plug wrapper 28 Lining paper 30 Non-combustion, non-heating type flavor inhaler 30D Power Supply Unit 30E Cartridge 30F Tobacco Capsules u Non-suction end d Mouth end 110 Batteries 200 Aerosol Sources 210 Reservoir 220 Atomization section 230 Flow channel forming body 240 Outer frame 240 250 End Caps 200X First channel 300 Flavor source 310 containment units 320 mesh body 330 Nonwoven fabric 340 caps

Claims

1. Step 1 involves preparing the tobacco raw materials, Step 2 involves subjecting the aforementioned tobacco raw material to solid-liquid extraction using an aprotic solvent to remove solid components and obtain an organic phase. Step 3 involves removing the aprotic solvent from the organic phase to obtain a residue, Step 4 involves subjecting the aforementioned residue to vacuum distillation to obtain a tobacco extract containing neophytadiene and a tobacco extract containing alkanes, A method for producing tobacco extract, including [the specified component].

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the aprotic solvent is a water-insoluble organic solvent.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the non-water-soluble organic solvent is a hydrocarbon having 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising step 5 between step 2 and step 3, in which the organic phase is subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using water or an acidic aqueous solution to remove the aqueous phase.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the acidic aqueous solution is an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid, citric acid, or oxalic acid.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the pH of the acidic aqueous solution is less than 7.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step 6 between step 2 and step 3, in which the organic phase obtained in step 2 is subjected to normal-phase chromatography using n-hexane as the mobile phase.

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