Hi guys! Noob Chemistry Question

[hooplah101]

I have been researching for a bit, and haven't been able to come up with a definitive resource as to the chemistry of the different substances in DIY liquid. I am aware of the day one (Basic Info), I am looking for a technical explanation of oxidation, combination, and structures of different types of ingredients. Am mixing my own, and am just a bit of a nerd like that. Does anybody know of a resource that explains the compounds and the reactions with each other. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

You guys are awesome, Thanks for all of the info I've already gained.

 

[hooplah101]

LOL, Welllllll, Big Gulps huh..................Well, See ya later!

 

[teedog]

it is like making your own homemade wine. Yes the basics are there, yet it is you eventually deciding on how do you want it, I've been experimenting with different flavours, some did work and some did not!

 

[koreanpat]

The Flavor Apprentice has a ton of info about the chemistry behind their flavors on their website. And they seem open to questions as well. Check it out!

 

[readeuler]

I wanted to respond, but I don't have anything definitive for you. Here's something to get you started though:

Having been dubbed ECF's "resident chemist," Kurt Kistler at Penn State (username Kurt) is quite knowledgable about the chemistry of eliquids. Unfortunately, I've mostly just seen him weigh in on various topics, never producing a text-like e-liquid Chemistry 101 (which I would absolutely pay for, by the way). If you just google "Kurt Kistler juice chemistry" you'll start getting links to informative, albeit long, videos about the matter. Not overall comprehensive, but definitely looking at aspects of liquid through the eyes of a chemist.

I know dannyv45 has two blog posts on the chemical make-up of the nicotine in our nicotine base, and that's about all I could come up with.

Since "mix and vape" works well for everyone except liquid manufacturers, who probably have no desire to divulge their trade knowledge, there's not a lot out there to my knowledge, yet. I'm sure that won't be the case forever, though.

 

[hooplah101]

thanks tee,

I manage a pool company for a living, and there is a lot of chemistry to the job, that if understood, makes the job much easier. Was just wondering if anyone on here knew some of the underlying chemistry. I'm doing the little of this, little of that method currently. Good Luck, and great vaping!

 

[hooplah101]

Frickin awesome read, thanks a lot. Anything is better than the squaduche that I was rockin.

 

[twgbonehead]

If you're trying to understand the chemistry of flavorings, I'm afraid you have a pretty impossible task. Even the professionals who design flavorings don't come at it from a chemistry point of view, but rather from an extensive knowledge of the sensations that certain ingredients provide, and even their efforts can be hit-or-miss; they never know for sure until they try them.

Consider that a "simple" flavoring like strawberry can be made from hundreds of different chemicals and extracts.
Add to that the fact that "flavor" describes an interaction between these chemical mixes and 2 completely separate sense-receptor systems - taste and smell. And that these sensory systems are so complex and sensitive that they can detect insanely small amounts of certain compounds.

You really won't get there by understanding the chemistry, except in a very basic sense. Oxidation tends to make flavors degrade, as does light exposure. Acids can perk up a flavor in the short term, but can also start degrading flavors after a short while. Basic concepts like that may be useful, but beyond some general guidelines, it really doesn't help that much!