E-liquid is the fluid consumed in vaporizers, composed primarily of nicotine, flavorings, propylene glycol (PG), and vegetable glycerin (VG). Freebase e-liquid uses a specific form of nicotine that was the original standard for the vaping industry. This formulation is widely used today and provides a distinct experience centered on cloud production and a noticeable throat sensation. Understanding the chemical nature of freebase nicotine and its ideal usage is necessary for vapers.
The Chemistry Behind Freebase Nicotine
Nicotine naturally exists as a salt in tobacco leaves, bound to a proton (a positively charged hydrogen ion). In this natural form, the salt is not easily absorbed by the body. To create freebase nicotine, an alkaline substance, such as ammonia, is introduced during extraction and purification.
This alkaline substance works as a base, chemically removing the proton from the nicotine salt molecule. The resulting molecule is the deprotonated, or “freebase,” form of nicotine. This alteration significantly raises the e-liquid’s pH, making it more basic, typically around 8. Freebase nicotine is more volatile and readily crosses the biological membranes of the respiratory tract, which is responsible for the characteristic sensation and absorption kinetics felt by the user.
Key Differences from Nicotine Salt E-Liquids
The high alkalinity of freebase nicotine causes the distinct physical sensation upon inhalation, commonly called the “throat hit.” The higher pH level creates a harsher feeling, limiting the comfortable nicotine concentration a user can tolerate. Consequently, freebase e-liquids are typically sold in lower concentrations, generally ranging from 3 mg/mL to a maximum of 18 mg/mL.
The chemical structure also affects the absorption rate into the bloodstream. Freebase nicotine is absorbed more slowly than nicotine salt. This slower delivery means the user must inhale more vapor to achieve the desired nicotine satisfaction. The experience involves a more gradual onset of nicotine effects, balanced by a strong physical throat sensation.
Nicotine salt e-liquids, conversely, are formulated by adding organic acids, such as benzoic acid, to the nicotine base. This process neutralizes the nicotine, lowering the pH and making the vapor much smoother to inhale. The lower pH allows for the comfortable use of much higher nicotine concentrations, often ranging from 10 mg/mL up to 50 mg/mL. Nicotine salts are absorbed into the bloodstream more rapidly and efficiently, offering quicker nicotine satisfaction.
Optimal Devices and Vaping Experience
The distinct properties of freebase e-liquid dictate the type of hardware best suited for its use. Since the nicotine concentration is low and absorption is less efficient, the delivery system must compensate by producing a large volume of vapor. This requires high-wattage devices and specialized sub-ohm tanks.
Sub-ohm refers to the atomizer coil having an electrical resistance below 1.0 ohm, enabling the device to generate more heat and vaporize the liquid quickly. Freebase users typically operate their devices at a higher power output, often exceeding 25 watts. This setup creates the large, dense vapor clouds associated with “cloud chasing.”
The preferred method of inhalation is Direct-to-Lung (DTL), where the user inhales the vapor directly into the lungs. The DTL style is necessary to process the large volume of vapor required for adequate nicotine delivery at lower concentrations. This experience emphasizes robust flavor profiles and intense vapor production.
Understanding PG and VG Ratios
E-liquid carriers, Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), serve as the base for the nicotine and flavorings. PG is a thinner liquid that carries flavor effectively and is responsible for the throat hit. VG is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid that is primarily responsible for producing visible vapor clouds.
Freebase e-liquids formulated for high-power, sub-ohm devices generally utilize a high VG ratio, such as 70% VG to 30% PG (70/30) or 80% VG to 20% PG (80/20). This high VG content serves two purposes. First, the abundance of VG maximizes the production of thick vapor clouds.
Second, the high VG content helps smooth out the harsh throat hit caused by the alkaline freebase nicotine. The thicker consistency of high VG liquids is also necessary to prevent leaks and ensure proper wicking in the large cotton ports of sub-ohm coils.