END PLUG COMPRISING A SUBSTITUTED 3-(1-METHYLPYRROLIDIN-2-YL)PYRIDINE

Abstract

The present disclosure provides articles configured for use in an aerosol provision system. The articles include an aerosol generating portion having an aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol former; and a body of material upstream of the aerosol generating portion, wherein the body of material optionally includes a plurality of portions of material. The body of material includes an active agent, the active agent including a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine. The disclosure further provides devices incorporating such aerosol generating articles.

Claims

1. An article configured for use in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising: an aerosol generating portion, the aerosol generating portion comprising an aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol former; and a body of material upstream of the aerosol generating portion, wherein the body of material comprises an active agent, the active agent comprising at least a compound having a structure according to Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III: ##STR00024## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, amino, halogen, and cyano, wherein any of said alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, and amino may optionally be substituted; and wherein at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are not hydrogen; or the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine has a structure according to Formula II: ##STR00025## wherein: R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, amino, halogen, and cyano, wherein any of said alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, and amino may optionally be substituted; R.sup.7 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and CH.sub.3; R.sup.8 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl; and at least one of R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 is not hydrogen; or ##STR00026## wherein L is a bond or OCH.sub.2*, where the asterisk indicates an attachment point to the azetidine ring; R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, and R.sup.12 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, and cyano; R.sup.13 is H or CH.sub.3; and R.sup.14 is H or CH.sub.3.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the active agent comprises a compound having a structure according to Formula I, wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are each H.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein R.sup.4 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, F, Cl, Br, OCH.sub.3, OEt, or CN.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein R.sup.4 is C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl, such as wherein R.sup.4 is CH.sub.3.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the active agent comprises a compound having a structure according to Formula II, wherein R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are H; R.sup.7 is CH.sub.3; and R.sup.8 is H.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the active agent comprises a compound having a structure according to Formula II, wherein R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are H, and R.sup.8 is CH.sub.3.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the body of material comprises a plurality of portions of material, and wherein one or more of the portions of material comprises an active agent, the active agent comprising at least a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, a 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or a 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine.

8. The article of claim 7, wherein at least one of the portions of material comprises a sheet material.

9. The article of claim 7, wherein the portions of material comprise strips of a sheet material.

10. The article of claim 8, wherein the sheet material comprises a heat conductive material, an aerosol generating film, or paper.

11. The article of claim 8, wherein the sheet material is crimped.

12. The article of claim 10, wherein the aerosol-generating film is laminated on a supporting material.

13. The article of claim 10, wherein the sheet material comprises a heat conductive material which is a metal foil.

14. The article of claim 7, wherein the plurality of portions of material comprises a first material and a second material.

15. The article of claim 14, wherein either or both of the first and second material are in sheet form.

16. The article of claim 14, wherein the first material is in sheet form and the second material is in the form of one or more microcapsules or threads.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the first material is in gathered sheet form and the second material is in the form of microcapsules or threads embedded in the body of material.

18. The article of claim 17, wherein the active agent is present in the gathered sheet, the microcapsules, or is present in both the gathered sheet and the microcapsules.

19. The article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating portion comprises a tobacco material, a non-tobacco botanical material, or a combination thereof.

20. The article of claim 1, wherein the body of material comprises a first body of material, and the article further comprises a second body of material adjacent to the first body of material.

21. The article of claim 20, wherein the second body of material is arranged downstream of the first body and upstream of the aerosol generating portion.

22. The article of claim 20, wherein the article comprises an upstream end, and wherein the second body of material is positioned at the upstream end of the article.

23. The article of claim 20, wherein the second body of material comprises a sheet material.

24. The article of claim 23, wherein the sheet material is in gathered form, the sheet material is in the form of strips, or both.

25. The article of claim 1, wherein the body of material comprises a cavity therein adapted to receive an aerosol generator.

26. The article of claim 1, wherein the body of material is deformable such that an aerosol generator can penetrate the body of material.

27. The article of claim 1, further comprising a covering at an upstream end of the body of material, the covering optionally adapted to be deformed or pierced by an aerosol generator.

28. The article of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating portion is in the form of one or more of the following: (i) an extruded substrate of aerosol generating material, optionally including longitudinally extending airflow channels; (ii) a plurality of longitudinally extending strands of aerosol generating material; and/or (iii) a shredded aerosol generating material.

29. A system comprising: the article of claim 1; and a heating device configured to receive the aerosol generating portion, optionally wherein the heating device is configured to externally heat the aerosol-generating portion, inductively heat the aerosol generating portion, resistively heat the aerosol generating portion, or a combination thereof.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the heating device comprises an aerosol generator adapted to enter the body of material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0054] FIG. 1 is a side-on cross-sectional view of an article for use in an aerosol provision system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a side-on cross-sectional view of an article for use in an aerosol provision system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a side-on cross-sectional view of an article for use in an aerosol provision system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a side-on cross-sectional view of an article for use in an aerosol provision system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a side-on cross-sectional view of an article for use in an aerosol provision system according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, including a further component upstream of the aerosol generating portion.

[0059] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a method of forming an article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a further method of forming an article according to the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a perspective illustration of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating aerosol from an article according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a non-combustible aerosol provision device according to a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure for use with the article of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to example embodiments thereof. These example embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0064] As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0065] Reference to dry weight percent or dry weight basis refers to weight on the basis of dry ingredients (i.e., all ingredients except water). All weight percent values herein are dry weight percent unless otherwise indicated.

[0066] The terms upstream and downstream used herein are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream aerosol drawn though an article or device in use.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined herein, by substantially free it is meant that the noted component (e.g., nicotine or a tobacco material) has not been intentionally added, beyond trace amounts that may be present e.g., as an impurity in another component, or small amounts which may be present in certain flavor packages. For example, some embodiments can have less than 0.01% by weight of the noted component, or less than 0.001%, or even 0% by weight of the noted component, based on the total weight of the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is completely free of the noted component (i.e., having 0% or as having an amount below the limit of detection).

[0068] The present disclosure is generally directed to an article configured for use in an aerosol provision system. The article comprises: an aerosol generating portion comprising an aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol former; and a body of material upstream of the aerosol generating portion. The body of material, which optionally includes a plurality of portions of material, comprises an active agent, wherein the active agent comprises at least a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, a 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or a 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine. The article and components of each thereof are further described herein below.

Article

[0069] Provided herein is an article for use in an aerosol provision system, the article comprising an aerosol generating portion. The article further comprises a body of material upstream of the aerosol generating portion.

Aerosol Generating Portion

[0070] The article as disclosed herein comprises an aerosol generating portion comprising an aerosol generating material comprising an aerosol former.

Aerosol Generating Material

[0071] The aerosol generating portion of the article as disclosed herein comprises an aerosol generating material. The term aerosol generating material as used herein refers to a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. An aerosol generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavorants. Suitable aerosol generating materials include, but are not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco botanical materials. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material can be in a sheet form, an extruded form, a shredded form, or in the form of a plurality of longitudinally extending strands of material.

[0072] As used herein, the term botanical material or botanical refers to any plant material or fungal-derived material, including plant material in its natural form and plant material derived from natural plant materials, such as extracts or isolates from plant materials or treated plant materials (e.g., plant materials subjected to heat treatment, fermentation, or other treatment processes capable of altering the chemical nature of the material). For the purposes of the present disclosure, a botanical material includes but is not limited to herbal materials, which refer to seed-producing plants that do not develop persistent woody tissue and are often valued for their medicinal or sensory characteristics (e.g., teas or tisanes). Reference to botanical material as non-tobacco is intended to exclude tobacco materials (i.e., does not include any Nicotiana species). The botanical materials used in the present disclosure may comprise, without limitation, any of the compounds and sources set forth herein, including mixtures thereof.

[0073] Non-limiting examples of botanical materials include without limitation acai berry, alfalfa, allspice, annatto seed, apricot oil, ashwagandha, bacopa monniera, baobab, basil, bee balm, beet root, wild bergamot, black pepper, blueberries, borage seed oil, bugleweed, cacao, calamus root, catnip, catuaba, cayenne pepper, Centella asiatica, chaga mushroom, Chai-hu, chamomile, cherry blossom, chervil, chlorophyll, cinnamon, dark chocolate, citrus, cocoa, comfrey leaf and root, Gingko biloba, ginseng, goji berries, grape seed, green tea, black tea, black cohosh, cayenne, chamomile, cloves, cocoa powder, cordyceps, cranberry, curcumin, damiana, dandelion, Dorstenia arifolia, Dorstenia odorata, echinacea, eucalyptus, fennel, feverfew, Galphimia glauca, garlic, ginger, ginseng (e.g., Panax ginseng), goldenseal, green tea, grapefruit, Griffonia simplicifolia, guarana, gutu kola, hawthorn, hemp, hibiscus flower, honeybush, hops, jasmine, jiaogulan, Kaempferia parviflora (Thai ginseng), kava, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, licorice, Lion's mane, lutein, maca, matcha, Nardostachys chinensis, marjoram, milk thistle, mints (menthe), oolong tea, orange, oregano, papaya, pennyroyal, peppermint, potato peel, primrose, quercetin, red clover, resveratrol, Rhizoma gastrodiae, Rhodiola, Aspalathus linearis (rooibos; red or green), rose essential oil, rosehip, rosemary, sage, clary sage, savory, saw palmetto, Sceletium tortuosum, Schisandra, Silybum marianum, Skullcap, spearmint, Spikenard, spirulina, slippery elm bark, sorghum bran hi-tannin, sorghum grain hi-tannin, Saint John's Wort, sumac bran, terpenes, thyme, tisanes, turmeric, Turnera aphrodisiaca, Uva ursi, valerian, Viola odorata, white mulberry, wild yam root, wintergreen, Withania somnifera, yacon root, yellow dock, yerba mate, and yerba santa.

[0074] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free from botanical material.

[0075] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

Binder

[0076] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a binder. A binder generally comprises an alginate, pectin, starch (and derivatives), cellulose (and derivatives), gum, silica or silicone compounds, clay, polyvinyl alcohol, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) a hydrocolloid. In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of alginates, pectins, starches (and derivatives), celluloses (and derivatives, such as such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)), gums, silica or silicones compounds, clays, polyvinyl alcohol and combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more of alginates, pectins, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, pullulan, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, agarose, acacia gum, fumed silica, PDMS, sodium silicate, kaolin and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0077] In some embodiments, the binder is a cellulosic binder, which may be selected from the group consisting of: hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and combinations thereof.

[0078] In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) a non-cellulosic binder, which may be selected from the group consisting of agar, xanthan gum, gum Arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin, carrageenan, starch, alginate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the non-cellulose binder is alginate. In some embodiments, the binder comprises (or is) one or more of hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethylcellulose, alginate, pectin, guar gum, and acacia gum.

[0079] In some embodiments, the binder comprises alginate and/or pectin.

[0080] In some embodiments, the binder comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of alginate and pectin.

[0081] In some embodiments, the binder comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of one or more carboxymethylcellulose, alginate, and pectin.

Filler

[0082] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a filler. The filler, if present, may comprise one or more inorganic filler materials, such as calcium carbonate, chitosan, perlite, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, colloidal silica, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulphate, magnesium carbonate, and suitable inorganic sorbents, such as molecular sieves. The filler may comprise one or more organic filler materials such as wood pulp; tobacco pulp; hemp fiber; starch and starch derivatives, such as maltodextrin; and cellulose and cellulose derivatives, such as ground cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and nanocrystalline cellulose. In particular cases, the aerosol-generating material comprises no calcium carbonate such as chalk.

[0083] In some embodiments, the filler is fibrous. For example, the filler may be a fibrous organic filler material such as wood pulp, hemp fiber, cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and/or nanocrystalline cellulose. In some cases, the filler comprises maltodextrin or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

Solvent

[0084] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a solvent, such as water, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent.

Aerosol Former

[0085] The aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol former. In this context, an aerosol former or aerosol forming material is an agent that promotes the generation of an aerosol. An aerosol former may promote the generation of an aerosol by promoting an initial vaporization and/or the condensation of a gas to an inhalable solid and/or liquid aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol former may improve the delivery of active agent, flavor, or both from the aerosol generating material.

[0086] In general, any suitable aerosol former may be included in the t aerosol generating material. The particular choice of aerosol former(s) may depend on factors such as the method of aerosol formation, the appearance and volume of the aerosol, the desired density of the aerosol, and the like. Suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, high boiling point hydrocarbons, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as diacetin, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate or myristates including ethyl myristate and isopropyl myristate and aliphatic carboxylic acid esters such as methyl stearate, dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. In some embodiments, the aerosol former may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0087] In some embodiments, the aerosol former may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0088] In some embodiments, the aerosol former comprises one or more compound selected from erythritol, propylene glycol, glycerol, triacetin, sorbitol and xylitol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of, glycerol.

[0089] In some embodiments, the aerosol former comprises a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol in a weight ratio of glycerol to propylene glycol of from about 3:1 to about 1:3, from about 2:1 to about 1:2, from about 1.5:1 to about 1:1.5, from about 55:45 to about 45:55, or about 45:55.

[0090] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises the aerosol former in an amount from 5 to 30% by weight, for instance 8% to 25% by weight, on a dry weight basis.

Form of Aerosol Generating Material

[0091] The form of the aerosol generating material may vary. For example, suitable forms include films, rods, sheets, extrudates, strands, and various other solid or gel formats.

[0092] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises or is in the form of a film. The film may comprise a binder, such as a gelling agent, along with an aerosol former. Optionally, a substance to be delivered and/or a filler may also be present. The film may be substantially free from botanical material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating film is substantially tobacco free.

[0093] The aerosol generating film may have a thickness of about 0.015 mm to about 1 mm. For example, the thickness may be in the range of about 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm or 0.15 mm to about 0.5 mm or 0.3 mm. The aerosol generating material may comprise more than one film, and the thickness described herein may refer to the aggregate thickness of those films. The aerosol generating film may be continuous. For example, the film may comprise or be a continuous sheet of material. The sheet may be in the form of a wrapper, it may be gathered to form a gathered sheet, or it may be shredded to form a shredded sheet. The aerosol generating film may be discontinuous. For example, the aerosol generating film may comprise one or more discrete portions or regions of aerosol generating material, such as dots, stripes or lines, which may be supported on a support. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating film is formed by combining a binder, such as a gelling agent, with a solvent, such as water, an aerosol former, and optionally other components, to form a slurry, then heating the slurry to volatilize at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt %, 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 85 wt % or 90 wt % of the solvent.

[0094] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises or is an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises an aerosol generating film that is an amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be a monolithic solid. The amorphous solid may be substantially non-fibrous. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid. The amorphous solid may be substantially free from botanical material. The amorphous solid may be substantially tobacco free.

[0095] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

Body of Material

[0096] The aerosol generating portion of the article as disclosed herein comprises a body of material. The body of material may be in the form of a single piece (e.g., a monolith) or comprise a plurality of portions. Example materials for the body of material include sheet materials (e.g., sheet materials formed from one or more botanical materials), foamed materials (e.g., cellulose foam), fibrous tow materials (e.g., cellulose acetate tow), and the like.

[0097] In some embodiments, the body of material optionally comprising a plurality of portions of material. In some embodiments, the portions of material comprising the body of material comprise a tobacco material or a non-tobacco botanical material as described herein above. In some embodiments, the body of material comprises a non-tobacco botanical material. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco botanical material is in the form of a reconstituted sheet. In some embodiments, the non-tobacco botanical material is rooibos.

[0098] The body of material (or some portion thereof) comprises an active agent, the active agent comprising at least a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, a 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or a 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine as described herein. The active agent may further include components such as botanical materials, cannabinoids, terpenes, vitamins, melatonin, caffeine, tobacco extract, or combinations thereof. The various components are described further herein below.

[0099] As used herein, the term substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine refers to a compound having a 3-(1-pyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine) scaffold and bearing one or more non-hydrogen substituents on the pyridine ring.

[0100] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine has a structure according to Formula I:

##STR00004##

wherein: [0101] R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, amino, halogen, and cyano, wherein any of said alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, and amino may optionally be substituted; and at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are not hydrogen.

[0102] Substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines with various R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 substituents have been reported previously. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,321,387, 4,155,909; 5,015,741, 5,138,062, and 5,703,100, each of which is incorporated by reference herein and describe such substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines, their synthesis, and pharmacological properties. Substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines and their pharmacological profiles have also been disclosed in Wang et al., Drug Development Research 1998, Volume 45, Issue 1, Pages 10-16; and Dukat et al. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 1999, 34(1): 31-40.

[0103] In some embodiments, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.4 are each H, and R.sup.3 is a non-hydrogen substituent. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, F, Cl, Br, OMe, OEt, or CN. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is Me or Et. In some embodiments, R.sup.3 is F.

[0104] In some embodiments, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are each H, and R.sup.4 is a non-hydrogen substituent.

[0105] In some embodiments, R.sup.4 is optionally substituted C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, F, Cl, Br, OMe, OEt, or CN.

[0106] In some embodiments, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are each H, and R.sup.4 is optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl, F, Cl, Br, OCH.sub.3, OEt, or CN.

[0107] In some embodiments, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are each H, and R.sup.4 is C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl.

[0108] In some embodiments, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are each H, and R.sup.4 is Me. In such embodiments, the compound of Formula I may be referred to as 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine.

[0109] The pharmacology of 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine has been reported in, for example, Dukat et al. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 31, Issue 11, 1996, Pages 875-888 (incorporated herein by reference), and the pharmacological profile of the (S)-enantiomer of 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine in the form of the benzoate salt (CAS 2861225-70-7; referred to as Imotine) is discussed in Carmines et al, Poster #6; 76.sup.th TSRC Conference 2023, Norfolk, VA, USA).

[0110] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine has a structure according to Formula II:

##STR00005## [0111] wherein: [0112] R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, amino, halogen, and cyano, wherein any of said alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, and amino may optionally be substituted; [0113] R.sup.7 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and CH.sub.3; [0114] R.sup.8 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl; and [0115] at least one of R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 is not hydrogen.

[0116] Certain substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines with various R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8 substituents have been reported previously. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,321,387, 4,155,909; 5,015,741, 5,138,062, and 5,703,100, each of which is incorporated by reference herein and describe example substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines, their synthesis, and pharmacological properties. Certain substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines and their pharmacological profiles have also been disclosed in Wang et al., Drug Development Research 1998, Volume 45, Issue 1, Pages 10-16; Dukat et al. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 1999, 34(1): 31-40; Lin et al., J. Med. Chem. (1994), 37, 3542-3553.

[0117] In some embodiments, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are H; R.sup.7 is CH.sub.3; and R.sup.8 is H. In such embodiments, the compound of Formula II may be referred to as 3-(1,2-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, and has a structure:

##STR00006##

[0118] The compound 3-(1,2-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine is known in the literature, and has a Chemical Abstracts Registry Number of 220650-38-4. The synthesis of this compound has been reported in Rouchaud et al., J Het Chem 2012, 49(1), 161-166; Wang et al., Drug Dev Res 1998, 45(1), 10-16; Secor et al., Tetrahedron Lett. (1981), 22(33), 3151-3154; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0157995; PCT Application Publication No. WO2012/031220; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,440,948, each of which are incorporated by reference herein with respect to the synthesis of 3-(1,2-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine.

[0119] In some embodiments, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are H; R.sup.7 is H; and R.sup.8 is CH.sub.3. In such embodiments, the compound of Formula II may be referred to as 3-(1,4-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 4-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-ylpyridine, and has a structure:

##STR00007##

The compound 3-(1,4-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine is known in the literature, has a Chemical Abstracts Registry Number of 74805-00-8, and is commercially available from, for example, Enamine Stock Building Blocks and Aurora Building Blocks. The synthesis of this compound has been reported in U.S. Pat. No. 9,440,948; and EP Patent No. 559495, each of which are incorporated by reference herein with respect to the synthesis of 3-(1,4-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine.

[0120] In some embodiments, R.sup.5 is CH.sub.3; R.sup.6 is H; R.sup.7 is CH.sub.3; and R.sup.8 is H. In such embodiments, the compound of Formula II may be referred to as 5-(1,2-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)-2-methylpyridine, and has a structure:

##STR00008##

[0121] The compound 5-(1,2-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)-2-methylpyridine may be readily synthesized according to known reactions. For example, commercially available 2-methyl-5-(2-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine (Chemical Abstracts Registry Number of 1528955-30-7; Aurora Building Blocks, Adlab Chemicals Building Blocks) can be N-methylated with formaldehyde and formic acid, or alternatively with formaldehyde and a reducing agent such as sodium cyanoborohydride to afford 5-(1,2-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)-2-methylpyridine. Alternatively, 5-(1,2-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)-2-methylpyridine may be synthesized by lithiation of 2-methyl-5-bromopyridine, reaction of the lithiated pyridine with N-methylpyrrolidone, and addition of methyl lithium to the perchlorate salt of the resulting imine. This reaction sequence is shown below in Scheme 1.

##STR00009##

[0122] In some embodiments, R.sup.5 is H or CH.sub.3, R.sup.6 is H, R.sup.7 is H or CH.sub.3, and R.sup.8 is H or CH.sub.3, provided that at least one of R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 is CH.sub.3. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine has a structure selected from

##STR00010##

[0123] In some embodiments, R.sup.5 is H, R.sup.6 is F, CH.sub.3, or OCH.sub.3, R.sup.7 is H or CH.sub.3, and R.sup.8 is H or CH.sub.3, provided that at least one of R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 is CH.sub.3. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine has a structure selected from

##STR00011##

[0124] A substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine and bearing one or more substituents on the pyrrolidine ring as described herein may be present as a single enantiomer or as a mixture of enantiomers. In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine bearing one or more substituents on the pyrrolidine ring is present in racemic form, meaning there are equal amounts of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers present. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises unequal amounts of (R)- and (S)-enantiomer (i.e., is enriched in either the (R)- or (S)-enantiomer. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material predominantly comprises the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine bearing one or more substituents on the pyrrolidine ring in the (R)-configuration, for example, about 90% or more of the total quantity of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine bearing one or more substituents on the pyrrolidine ring present is in the (R)-configuration. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material predominantly comprises the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine bearing one or more substituents on the pyrrolidine ring in the (S)-configuration, for example, about 90% or more of the total quantity of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine present is in the (S)-configuration. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises 95% or more of the (S)-configuration of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, based on the total amount of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine present.

[0125] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine bearing one or more substituents on the pyrrolidine ring is non-racemic, and has one of the following structures:

##STR00012##

[0126] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine bearing one or more substituents on the pyrrolidine ring is non-racemic, and has a structure selected from:

##STR00013##

[0127] Such single enantiomer or enantiomerically enriched compounds may be obtained through classical resolution techniques using salt formation with chiral acids to form diastereomeric salts separable by crystallization. Suitable chiral acids include, but are not limited to, (R)- or (S)-dibenzoyl tartaric acid, di-p-toluoyl tartaric acid, or di-p-anisolyl tartaric acid; (R)- or (S)-mandelic acid, and (R)- or (S)-10-camphorsulfonic acid. Alternatively, one of skill in the art will recognize opportunities for chiral syntheses using either commercially available starting materials with established chiral centers or through the use of chiral auxiliary chemistries. For example, preparation of the 2S,4R enantiomer of 3-(1,4-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine has been reported in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,945, incorporated herein by reference with respect to syntheses of chiral nicotine analogs.

[0128] The pharmacology of various substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines such as those described herein has been reported in, for example, Lin et al., J. Med. Chem., 1994, 37, 3542-3553; Dukat et al. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 31(11), 1996, 875-888; U.S. Pat. No. 9,440,948; Wang et al., Drug Dev Res 1998, 45(1), 10-16 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference), among many others. Generally, small substituents such as methyl groups are well tolerated at the 2 or 4 positions of the nicotine pyrrolidine ring, and small substituents such as alkyl, halogen, alkoxy, and the like are well tolerated at the 5 or 6 position of the nicotine pyridine ring. For example, 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines bearing a methyl substituent at the 2 or 4 position are equipotent or even more potent than nicotine with respect to binding affinity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, and are expected to preserve the pharmacological effects of nicotine in vivo. See, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,176, Lin et al., J. Med. Chem., 1994, 37, 3542-3553, and Wang et al., Drug Dev Res 1998, 45(1), 10-16.

[0129] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that certain substitutions for hydrogen on the pyridine ring and/or pyrrolidine rings of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine compound preserve the general pharmacological profile and physiological effects of nicotine while offering the potential for one or more of greater potency, longer half-life, reduced product consumption, more rapid and/or complete absorption, greater bioavailability, and the like. Particularly, it is believed that in some embodiments, substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines of the disclosure are readily absorbed through membranes such as pulmonary alveoli, oral mucosa, and the like by virtue of their lipophilicity. Lipophilicity is conveniently measured in terms of log P, the partition coefficient of a molecule between a lipophilic phase and an aqueous phase, usually octanol and water, respectively. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine of Formula I or II has a calculated or experimental log P of about 1 or greater, where log P is the log.sub.10 of the partitioning coefficient of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine between octanol and water. Log P values may be measured experimentally according to protocols well known to one of skill in the art. Alternatively, log P values may be calculated using commercially available software. In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine of Formula I or II has a calculated log P from 1 to about 2, such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, or 1.9. In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine of Formula I or II has a calculated log P from about 1.2 to about 1.7. In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine having a calculated log P from about 1.2 to about 1.7 bears one or more lipophilic substituents on the pyridine ring, such as C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, or C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl. In some embodiments, the lipophilic substituent is methyl, and is present at the 2, 4, 5, or 6 position of the pyridine ring. In some embodiments, the lipophilic substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine is 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine.

[0130] The quantity of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine) present in the portion(s) of material may vary. Typically, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, calculated as the free base) is present in a concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the portion(s) of material, such as in a range from about 0.01% to about 10%. In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine) is present in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 10% by weight, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.1% w/w, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, or about 10% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the portion(s) of material. In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine) is present in a concentration from about 0.1% w/w to about 3% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.1% w/w to about 2.5%, from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the portion(s) of material. In some embodiments, the portion(s) of material comprises 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine in an amount from about 0.01 to about 1% by weight, such as from about 0.1 to about 0.75% by weight, based on the total weight of the portion(s) of material.

[0131] The substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine) may be present in the portion(s) of material as the free base, as a salt with a suitable acid, in the form of an ion pair with an organic acid, or a combination thereof. Each of these forms is described further herein below.

[0132] As described above, the aerosol generating materials of the disclosure do not contain nicotine and do not contain any compounds obtained by chemical reactions utilizing nicotine as a starting material.

3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridines and 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridines

[0133] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material of the disclosure comprises an optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or an optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine. As used herein, the term substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine refers to a compound having a 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine scaffold and bearing one or more non-hydrogen substituents on the azetidine ring, and optionally on the pyridine ring. As used herein, the term substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine refers to a compound having a 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine scaffold and bearing one or more non-hydrogen substituents on the azetidine ring, and optionally on the pyridine ring.

[0134] In some embodiments, the 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine has a structure according to Formula III:

##STR00014##

wherein: [0135] L is a bond or OCH.sub.2*, where the asterisk indicates an attachment point to the azetidine ring; [0136] R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, and R.sup.12 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, and cyano; [0137] R.sup.13 is H or CH.sub.3; and [0138] R.sup.14 is H or CH.sub.3.

[0139] In some embodiments, Lis a bond.

[0140] In some embodiments, R.sup.9 is CH.sub.3, F, Cl, Br, OCH.sub.3, OEt, or CN.

[0141] In some embodiments, R.sup.9 is H or CH.sub.3; and R.sup.10, R.sup.11, and R.sup.12 are each H.

[0142] In some embodiments: [0143] R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are both H; [0144] R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are both CH.sub.3; [0145] R.sup.13 is H and R.sup.14 is CH.sub.3; or [0146] R.sup.13 is CH.sub.3 and R.sup.14 is H.

[0147] In some embodiments, the 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine is 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, and has a structure:

##STR00015##

[0148] The compound 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine is known in the literature. The synthesis of this compound has been reported in JOC 1979, 44(18), 3136; Med Chem Res (1993) 2:552-5633; in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2012/031220, and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,163,855 and 4,163,856, all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

[0149] In some embodiments, the 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine is 3-(1-methylazetidin-2-yl)pyridine, having the structure:

##STR00016##

[0150] The compound 3-(1-methylazetidin-2-yl)pyridine is known in the literature. The synthesis of this compound has been reported in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2012/031220, previously incorporated by reference herein.

[0151] In some embodiments, the 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00017##

[0152] Such compounds are either known, or may be readily prepared according to adaptations of methods utilized for preparation of related 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridines and 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines described herein above. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,855, previously incorporated by reference herein. The compound 5-(2-azetidinyl)-2-methylpyridine is known in the literature and has a Chemical Abstracts Registry (CAS) Number of 1270467-65-6, and the R- and S-enantiomers have CAS numbers 1213081-15-2 and 1212969-96-4, respectively.

[0153] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine (i.e., L is OCH.sub.2*).

[0154] In some embodiments, R.sup.9 is CH.sub.3, F, Cl, Br, OCH.sub.3, OEt, or CN.

[0155] In some embodiments, R.sup.9 is H or CH.sub.3; and R.sup.10, R.sup.11, and R.sup.12 are each H.

[0156] In some embodiments: [0157] R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are both H; [0158] R.sup.13 and R.sup.14 are both CH.sub.3; [0159] R.sup.13 is H and R.sup.14 is CH.sub.3; or [0160] R.sup.13 is CH.sub.3 and R.sup.14 is H.

[0161] In some embodiments, the 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00018##

[0162] These compounds are known in the literature. The synthesis of these compounds has been reported in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2012/031220, previously incorporated by reference herein.

[0163] In some embodiments, the 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine has a structure selected from the group consisting of:

##STR00019##

[0164] Such compounds are either known, or may be readily prepared according to adaptations of methods utilized for preparation of related the 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, and/or the 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridines and substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines described herein above.

[0165] An optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine as described herein may be present as a single enantiomer or as a mixture of enantiomers. In some embodiments, the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is present in racemic form, meaning there are equal amounts of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers present. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises unequal amounts of (R)- and (S)-enantiomer (i.e., is enriched in either the (R)- or (S)-enantiomer). In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material predominantly comprises the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine in the (R)-configuration, for example, about 90% or more of the total quantity of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine present is in the (R)-configuration. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material predominantly comprises the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine in the (S)-configuration, for example, about 90% or more of the total quantity of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine present is in the (S)-configuration. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises 95% or more of the (S)-configuration of the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, based on the total amount of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine present.

[0166] In some embodiments, the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine is non-racemic, and has one of the following structures:

##STR00020##

[0167] In some embodiments, the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is non-racemic, and has one of the following structures:

##STR00021##

[0168] Such single enantiomer or enantiomerically enriched compounds may be obtained through classical resolution techniques using salt formation with chiral acids to form diastereomeric salts separable by crystallization. Suitable chiral acids include, but are not limited to, (R)- or (S)-dibenzoyl tartaric acid, di-p-toluoyl tartaric acid, or di-p-anisolyl tartaric acid; (R)- or (S)-mandelic acid, and (R)- or (S)-10-camphorsulfonic acid. Alternatively, one of skill in the art will recognize opportunities for chiral syntheses using either commercially available starting materials with established chiral centers or through the use of chiral auxiliary chemistries. For example, preparation of the 2S,4R enantiomer of 3-(1,4-dimethylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine has been reported in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,332,945, incorporated herein by reference with respect to syntheses of chiral nicotine analogs.

[0169] The pharmacology of certain 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridines and 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridines has been previously disclosed, for example, in the references cited herein with respect to synthesis of such compounds. Generally, these compounds exhibit high affinity for one or more subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, particularly the 42 subtype. The overall pharmacological profiles have been shown to be or are expected to be comparable to that of nicotine.

[0170] The quantity of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine present in the aerosol generating material may vary. Typically, the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, calculated as the free base, is present in a concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the aerosol generating material, such as in a range from about 0.01% to about 10%. In some embodiments, the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is present in a concentration from about 0.05% w/w to about 5% by weight, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.05% w/w, about 0.1% w/w, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, or about 5% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is present in a concentration from about 0.05% w/w to about 4% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.05% w/w to about 3.5%, from about 0.07% to about 2.5%, from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the aerosol generating material. One of skill in the art will recognize that the amount of any particular optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine present in the aerosol generating material may vary based on the potency of the compound, the aerosol generating material matrix, and the desired physiological effect for the aerosol generating material.

[0171] In some embodiments, the amount of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine in the aerosol generating material is determined by potency relative to nicotine. For example, in some embodiments, the amount of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is based on the potency factor as described above for substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines. In some embodiments, an optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine of the disclosure has a potency factor from about 0.1 to about 30, such as from about 2 to about 30.

[0172] In some embodiments, the amount of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine in the aerosol generating material is 1 nicotine equivalent. Accordingly, in some embodiments, 1 nicotine equivalent of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is an amount by weight from about 10 to about 0.03 times that of nicotine. In some embodiments, 1 nicotine equivalent of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is an amount by weight from about 0.5 to about 0.03 times that of nicotine.

[0173] For example, a product comprising 2 mg of nicotine, when the nicotine is replaced by an optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine of the disclosure, may include from about 0.06 mg to about 1 mg of the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine. Similarly, a product comprising 20 mg of nicotine, when the nicotine is replaced by an optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, may contain from about 0.6 mg to about 100 mg of the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine.

[0174] In some embodiments, the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine has the structure:

##STR00022##

having a potency factor of about 30, meaning that in some embodiments, the amount of optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine present may be about 3% of the amount of nicotine required to achieve the same effect.

[0175] In some embodiments, the optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine has the structure:

##STR00023##

having a potency factor of about 3, meaning that in some embodiments, the amount of 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine present may be about 33% of the amount of nicotine required to achieve the same effect.

[0176] The optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine may be present in the aerosol generating material as the free base, as a salt with a suitable acid, or in the form of an ion pair with an organic acid. Each of these forms is described further herein below.

Other Active Agents

[0177] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine of the present disclosure is replaced with, or combined with, other active agents that provide the same general pharmacological profile and/or physiological effects of nicotine. Certain of these active agents may be equipotent or even more potent than nicotine with respect to binding affinity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and are expected to preserve the pharmacological effects of nicotine in vivo. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, in some embodiments, these compounds are believed to provide the general pharmacological profile and physiological effects of nicotine while offering the potential for one or more of greater potency, reduced product consumption, more rapid and/or complete absorption, and the like.

[0178] Example active agents of this type include, without limitation, cytisine, varenicline, acetylcholine, choline, epibatidine, lobeline, analogs thereof, or combinations thereof. Suitable analogs include any of the above-noted compounds having one or more substituents on any of the carbon atoms thereof, with example substituents including alkyl (e.g., C.sub.1-C.sub.3 alkyl), alkoxy, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, alkylaryl, amino, halogen, and cyano.

[0179] In some embodiments, the other active agent is cytisine or an analog thereof. Cytisine is a naturally occurring alkaloid present in certain plant genera, such as Laburnum and Cytisus of the family Fabaceae. Cytisine (CAS Registry No. 485-35-8) has the structure:

Cytisine is commercially available and has been utilized in post-Soviet states for more than 40 years as an aid to smoking cessation under the brand name Tabex (Sopharma AD). Cytisine is a partial agonist of the .sub.4.sub.2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

[0180] In some embodiments, the other active agent is varenicline or an analog thereof. Varenicline is commercially available as Chantix (Pfizer) and is a medication used as an aid for smoking cessation. Varenicline (CAS Registry No. 249296-44-4) has the structure:

Like cytisine, varenicline is a partial agonist of the .sub.4.sub.2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

[0181] The quantity of the other active agent present in the aerosol generating material may vary. Typically, the other active agent, calculated as the free base, is present in a concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the aerosol generating material, such as in a range from about 0.01% to about 10%. In some embodiments, the other active agent is present in a concentration from about 0.05% w/w to about 5% by weight, such as, e.g., from about from about 0.05% w/w, about 0.1% w/w, about 0.2%, about 0.3%, about 0.4%, about 0.5% about 0.6%, about 0.7%, about 0.8%, or about 0.9%, to about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, or about 5% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the other active agent is present in a concentration from about 0.05% w/w to about 4% by weight, such as, e.g., from about 0.05% w/w to about 3.5%, from about 0.07% to about 2.5%, from about 0.1% to about 2.0%, from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, or from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the aerosol generating material. One of skill in the art will recognize that the amount of any particular other active agent present in the aerosol generating material may vary based on the potency of the compound, the aerosol generating material matrix, and the desired physiological effect for the aerosol generating material.

[0182] The other active agent may be present in the aerosol generating material as the free base, as a salt with a suitable acid, or in the form of an ion pair with an organic acid. Each of these forms is described further herein below.

Free Base

[0183] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent exhibits sufficient stability, aqueous solubility, and oral bioavailability such that the free base is suitable for inclusion in the aerosol generating material. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine or other active agent is present substantially or completely as the free base. In such embodiments, one of skill in the art will recognize that the aerosol generating material is substantially free of acidic components. By substantially free it is meant that no acidic component (e.g., inorganic acid, organic acid, or acids capable of salt has been intentionally added, beyond trace amounts that may be present e.g., as an impurity in another component, or small amounts which may be present in certain flavor packages. For example, some embodiments can have less than 0.001% by weight of any acid component, or less than 0.0001%, or even 0% by weight of any acid component, based on the total weight of the aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is completely free of any acid component (i.e., having 0% or having an amount below the limit of detection). In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent is present in the free base form and is adsorbed in a carrier such as a microcrystalline cellulose material to form an adsorption complex.

Salt

[0184] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent can be employed in the form of a salt. A salt of such compounds is a form characterized by interaction between the said compound in ionic form and a coformer in ionic form (e.g., an acid) via the transfer of one or more protons from the coformer donor to the compound acceptor. The structure of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridines, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridines, and optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridines as disclosed herein are such that they comprise two nitrogen atoms that are capable of accepting protons from a coformer and, accordingly, can be present in non-protonated, mono-protonated, and/or di-protonated form in a given sample. Salts of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent can be provided using the types of ingredients and techniques set forth for nicotine in U.S. Pat. No. 2,033,909 to Cox et al. and Perfetti, Beitrage Tabakforschung Int., 12: 43-54 (1983), which are incorporated herein by reference Suitable salts are generally water soluble. Suitable acids for formation of salts (mono- and di-) include, but are not limited to, acetic acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid, capric acid, citric acid, D-glucuronic acid, D-gluconic acid, lactic acid, galactaric acid, hippuric acid, hydrochloric acid, L-aspartic acid, L-glutamic acid, L-glutaric acid, glycerophosphoric acid, glycolic acid, lauric acid, DL-malic acid, L-malic acid; tartaric acid, palmitic acid, phosphoric acid, sebacic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, sulfuric acid, thiocyanic acid, (+)-camphoric acid, 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, caprylic acid, cyclamic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, D-glucoheptonic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, isobutyric acid, ketoglutaric acid, 2-ketobutyric acid, lactobionic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, nicotinic acid, oleic acid, orotic acid, oxalic acid, pamoic acid, pivalic acid, propionic acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, (1S)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, 4-aminosalicylic acid, N-acetyl-4-aminosalicylic acid, caproic acid, dichloroacetic acid, hydrobromic acid, DL-mandelic acid, L-mandelic acid, nitric acid, formic acid, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, undecylenic acid, isothionic acid, lauric acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, trans-2-hexanoic acid, trimesic acid, 5-nitroisophthalic acid and zinc chloride monohydrate (forming a hydrated zinc chloride complex salt). In some embodiments, the salt is with an organic acid as described herein below.

[0185] In some embodiments, a hydrophilic acid is chosen so as to increase water solubility and/or decrease lipophilicity of the salt. Lipophilicity of a salt of a compound as disclosed herein can also be expressed as log D, which is the logarithm of the distribution coefficient, a measure of the pH-dependent differential solubility between an octanol phase and an aqueous phase of all species (ionized and un-ionized) in an octanol/aqueous system, represented by the formula:

[00001]$\log D_{\mathrm{oct}/\mathrm{wat}}=\log \left(\frac{{\left[\mathrm{solute}\right]}_{\mathrm{octanol}}}{{\left[\mathrm{solute}\right]}_{\mathrm{water}}^{\mathrm{ionized}}+{\left[\mathrm{solute}\right]}_{\mathrm{water}}^{\mathrm{neutral}}}\right).$

Log D is a commonly use descriptor or the lipophilicity of ionizable compounds. Log D values can be calculated using commercial software or may be determined experimentally in a similar manner to log P but instead of using water, the aqueous phase is adjusted to a specific pH using a buffer. Log D is pH dependent and therefore requires that the pH at which the log D was measured be specified.

[0186] When the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent is present in the form of a salt, it is generally preferred that the salt have a relatively low log D, indicative of good water solubility. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that highly water-soluble salt forms may exhibit a high rate of dissolution, which may be favorable in certain embodiments. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent salt has a log D from about 1.0 to about 3 at a pH in a range from about 3 to about 11, such as from about 0.5 to about 2, about 0.3 to about 1, or about 0.1 to about 0.

[0187] In some embodiments, the selection of acid used to make a salt is performed on the basis of sensory effects of the salt, such as taste. Surprisingly, according to the present disclosure, it has been found that salts of certain organic acids, such as galactaric acid, offer a better taste sensation relative to salts of acids such as tartaric or phthalic acids.

[0188] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent is present in the form of a salt with tartaric acid, succinic acid, orotic acid, fumaric acid, pyroglutamic acid, or galactaric acid. In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is present in the form of a salt with succinic acid or galactaric acid.

[0189] The stoichiometry of the salts as described herein can vary. For example, in some embodiments, the stoichiometry can range from about 5:1 to about 1:5 molar equivalents of compound:acid, including any whole or fractional value in between. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of compound to acid is about 2:1, about 1:1, or about 1:2. In some embodiments, the compound is present in the form of a bitartrate salt. Hydrates and other solvates of salts are further contemplated herein.

[0190] The salts as described herein can, in some embodiments, exist in various polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic forms. Polymorphism is the ability of a crystalline material to exist in more than one form or crystal structure. Polymorphism can result, e.g., from the existence of different crystal packing structures (packing polymorphism) or from the existence of different conformers of the same molecule (conformational polymorphism). Pseudopolymorphism is the result of hydration or solvation of a material and is also referred to as solvomorphism.

Organic Acid

[0191] In some embodiments, the article (e.g., the aerosol generating material, one or more of the portions of material comprising the body of material, or both), comprises an organic acid. In some embodiments, the organic acid is a carboxylic acid or a sulfonic acid. The carboxylic acid or sulfonic acid functional group may be attached to any alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group having, for example, from one to twenty carbon atoms (C.sub.1-C.sub.20). In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl carboxylic or sulfonic acid.

[0192] As used herein, alkyl refers to any straight chain or branched chain hydrocarbon. The alkyl group may be saturated (i.e., having all sp.sup.3 carbon atoms), or may be unsaturated (i.e., having at least one site of unsaturation). As used herein, the term unsaturated refers to the presence of a carbon-carbon, sp.sup.2 double bond in one or more positions within the alkyl group. Unsaturated alkyl groups may be mono- or polyunsaturated. Representative straight chain alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl, and n-hexyl. Branched chain alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, isopentyl, and 2-methylbutyl. Representative unsaturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethylene or vinyl, allyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, isobutylenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-methyl-1-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-butenyl, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl, and the like. An alkyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted.

[0193] Cycloalkyl as used herein refers to a carbocyclic group, which may be mono- or bicyclic. Cycloalkyl groups include rings having 3 to 7 carbon atoms as a monocycle or 7 to 12 carbon atoms as a bicycle. Examples of monocyclic cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. A cycloalkyl group can be unsubstituted or substituted, and may include one or more sites of unsaturation (e.g., cyclopentenyl or cyclohexenyl).

[0194] The term aryl as used herein refers to a carbocyclic aromatic group. Examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl and naphthyl. An aryl group can be unsubstituted or substituted.

[0195] Heteroaryl and heterocycloalkyl as used herein refer to an aromatic or non-aromatic ring system, respectively, in which one or more ring atoms is a heteroatom, e.g. nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl group comprises up to 20 carbon atoms and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. A heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl may be a monocycle having 3 to 7 ring members (for example, 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S) or a bicycle having 7 to 10 ring members (for example, 4 to 9 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S), for example: a bicyclo[4,5], [5,5], [5,6], or [6,6] system. Examples of heteroaryl groups include by way of example and not limitation, pyridyl, thiazolyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, pyrimidinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, tetrazolyl, benzofuranyl, thianaphthalenyl, indolyl, indolenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, 1H-indazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, carbazolyl, phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, isochromanyl, chromanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, and isatinoyl. Examples of heterocycloalkyls include by way of example and not limitation, dihydroypyridyl, tetrahydropyridyl (piperidyl), tetrahydrothiophenyl, piperidinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, bis-tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl, octahydroisoquinolinyl, piperazinyl, quinuclidinyl, and morpholinyl. Heteroaryl and heterocycloalkyl groups can be unsubstituted or substituted.

[0196] Substituted as used herein and as applied to any of the above alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, means that one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with a substituent. Typical substituents include, but are not limited to, Cl, Br, F, alkyl, OH, OCH.sub.3, NH.sub.2, NHCH.sub.3, N(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CN, NC(O)CH.sub.3, C(O), C(O)NH.sub.2, and C(O)N(CH.sub.3).sub.2. Wherever a group is described as optionally substituted, that group can be substituted with one or more of the above substituents, independently selected for each occasion. In some embodiments, the substituent may be one or more methyl groups or one or more hydroxyl groups.

[0197] In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl carboxylic acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl carboxylic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, caproic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and the like.

[0198] In some embodiments, the organic acid is an alkyl sulfonic acid. Non-limiting examples of alkyl sulfonic acids include propanesulfonic acid, heptanesulfonic acid, and octanesulfonic acid.

[0199] In some embodiments, the alkyl carboxylic or sulfonic acid is substituted with one or more hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples include glycolic acid, 4-hydroxybutyric acid, and lactic acid.

[0200] In some embodiments, an organic acid may include more than one carboxylic acid group or more than one sulfonic acid group (e.g., two, three, or more carboxylic acid groups). Non-limiting examples include oxalic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, and glutaric acid. In organic acids containing multiple carboxylic acids (e.g., from two to four carboxylic acid groups), one or more of the carboxylic acid groups may be esterified. Non-limiting examples include succinic acid monoethyl ester, monomethyl fumarate, monomethyl or dimethyl citrate, and the like.

[0201] In some embodiments, the organic acid may include more than one carboxylic acid group and one or more hydroxyl groups. Non-limiting examples of such acids include tartaric acid, citric acid, and the like.

[0202] In some embodiments, the organic acid is an aryl carboxylic acid or an aryl sulfonic acid. Non-limiting examples of aryl carboxylic and sulfonic acids include benzoic acid, toluic acids, salicylic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, and p-toluenesulfonic acid.

[0203] Further non-limiting examples of organic acids which may be useful in certain embodiments include 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid, 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, 2-oxoglutaric acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, 4-aminosalicylic acid, adipic acid, ascorbic acid (L), aspartic acid (L), alpha-methylbutyric acid, camphoric acid (+), camphor-O-sulfonic acid (+), cinnamic acid, cyclamic acid, dodecylsulfuric acid, ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, furoic acid, galactaric acid, gentisic acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, glutamic acid, glycerophosphoric acid, glycolic acid, hippuric acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, lactobionic acid, lauric acid, levulinic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, pamoic acid, phenylacetic acid, pyroglutamic acid, pyruvic acid, sebacic acid, stearic acid, and undecylenic acid. Examples of suitable acids include, but are not limited to, the list of organic acids in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Non-limiting examples of suitable organic acids Acid Name benzoic acid phenylacetic p-toluic acid ethyl benzoic acid isopropyl benzoic acid 4-phenylbutyric 2-(4-Isobutylphenyl)propanoic acid 2-napthoxyacetic acid napthylacetic acid heptanoic acid octanoic acid nonanoic acid decanoic acid 9-deceneoic acid 2-deceneoic acid 10-undecenoic acid dodecandioic acid dodecanoic acid myristic acid palmitic acid stearic acid cyclohexanebutanoic acid 1-heptanesulfonic acid 1-octanesulfonic acid 1-nonanesulfonic acid monooctyl succinate tocopherol succinate monomenthyl succinate monomenthyl glutarate norbixin ((2E,4E,6E,8E,10E,12E,14E,16E,18E)-4,8,13,17- tetramethylicosa-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18-nonaenedioic acid) bixin ((2E,4E,6E,8E,10E,12E,14E,16Z,18E)-20-methoxy- 4,8,13,17-tetramethyl-20-oxoicosa-2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18- nonaenoic acid)

[0204] The selection of organic acid may depend on certain properties. For example, an organic acid should be one recognized as safe for human consumption, and which has acceptable flavor, odor, volatility, stability, and the like. Determination of appropriate organic acids is within the purview of one of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the acid is benzoic acid. In some embodiments, the acid is levulinic acid. In some embodiments, the acid is lactic acid. In some embodiments, the acid is one or more of benzoic acid, lactic acid, and levulinic acid.

[0205] In some embodiments, more than one organic acid may be present. For example, the aerosol modifying agent may comprise two, or three, or four, or more organic acids. Accordingly, reference herein to an organic acid contemplates mixtures of two or more organic acids. The relative amounts of the multiple organic acids may vary. For example, an aerosol modifying agent may comprise equal amounts of two, or three, or more organic acids, or may comprise different relative amounts. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a combination of different organic acids may provide a concentration of any single organic acid in the aerosol generating material which remains below the threshold which would be found objectionable from a sensory perspective.

[0206] The amount of organic acid present in the article (e.g., in the aerosol generating material and/or the body of material), relative to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine), may vary. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises from about 0.05, about 0.1, about 1, about 1.5, about 2, or about 5, to about 10, about 15, or about 20 molar equivalents of the organic acid relative to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, calculated as the free base of the 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine.

[0207] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises from about 2 to about 10, or from about 2 to about 5 molar equivalents of the organic acid relative to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, on a free-base basis. In some embodiments, the organic acid is present in a molar ratio with the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine from about 2, about 3, about 4, or about 5, to about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10. In embodiments wherein more than one organic acid it is to be understood that such molar ratios reflect the totality of the organic acids present.

[0208] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises one or more of the organic acids described herein above. The substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine and the one or more organic acids may be present independently, in the form of a salt, or as a cocrystal. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises one or more of lactic acid, levulinic acid, benzoic acid, succinic acid, galactaric acid, orotic acid, fumaric acid, pyroglutamic acid, and tartaric acid, and at least a portion of said acid is present in the form of a salt with the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine.

[0209] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a lactic acid salt of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine.

[0210] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a levulinic acid salt of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine.

[0211] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a galactaric acid salt of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine.

[0212] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a tartaric acid salt of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine.

[0213] The stoichiometry of such lactate, levulinate, tartrate, and galactarate salts may vary. Accordingly, the molar ratio of lactic, levulinic, tartaric, or galactaric acid to substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine may be in a range from about 3:1 to about 1:3, including any whole or fractional value in between, such as for example about 2:1, about 1.5:1, about 1:1, about 1:1.5, or about 1:2.

[0214] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may be substantially or completely free of organic acids (i.e., having less than 0.001% by weight of organic acid, or less than 0.0001%, or even 0% by weight of organic acid, based on the total weight of the aerosol generating material, or as having an amount of organic acid below the limit of detection).

Resin Complex

[0215] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent may be present in the form of a polymer complex, where the compound is bound to an acidic polymer. The polymer of such a complex can be any polymer (including homopolymers or all types of copolymers) with acidic functionalities, e.g., a polymeric cation exchange resin. In some embodiments, the polymer comprises acidic sites that can be classified as strongly acidic, weakly acidic, or of intermediate acidity (depending, e.g., on the strength of the acid from which they are derived). In some embodiments, the polymer comprises weakly acidic sites and can be referred to as a weakly acidic cation exchange resin. Non-limiting examples of acidic sites include, e.g., carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, phosphonous acids, phosphonic acids, phosphoric acids, iminodiacetic acids, and phenolic groups (e.g., as disclosed in Adams et al., J. Soc. Chem. Ind. 54, IT (1935), which is incorporated herein by reference). Suitable polymers include, but are not limited to, addition polymers of styrene and divinylbenzene, divinylbenzene and methacrylic acid, divinylbenzene and acrylic acid, phenolic resins, or cellulose, dextran or pectin cross-linked with, e.g., epichlorohydrin. In some embodiments, the polymer comprises cross-linked moieties. Various acidic ion-exchange resins which are known in the art and are suitable for formation of complexes, include, but are not limited to, polymethacrylic acid resins such as DuPont Amberlite IRP64, DuPont Amberlite IRP69, Purolite C115HMR, Doshion P551, and polyacrylic carbomers, such as Carbopol 974P. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,248 to Lichtneckert et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, when the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine is present in the form of a polymer complex, the aerosol generating material further comprises a divalent metal buffer, such as a calcium or magnesium salt (e.g., carbonate, bicarbonate, oxide, acetate, or the like).

Cocrystal

[0216] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent may be present in the form of a co-crystal with at least one other component (coformer), both in neutral form. Specifically, as defined in a US FDA industry guidance document, a co-crystal is a solid that is a crystalline material composed of two or more molecules in the same crystal lattice, where the components are in a neutral state and interact via nonionic interactions. See U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Guidance for Industry: Regulatory Classification of Pharmaceutical Co-Crystals (April 2013), which is incorporated herein by reference. This form is different and distinct from both salts and ion pairs, each described herein. Specifically, co-crystals can generally be distinguished from salts (and ion pairs) by the absence of a proton transfer between the components (i.e., a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine and the one or more coformers) in a co-crystal. The crystalline structure of the co-crystal is generally held together by freely reversible, non-covalent interactions. Co-crystals typically comprise the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, or optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine and coformer in a defined stoichiometric ratio. In some embodiments, co-crystals can encompass hydrates, solvates, and clathrates. Co-crystals can comprise the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent in combination with an organic and/or an inorganic coformer.

[0217] Examples of suitable coformers include, but are not limited to, acetamidobenzoic acid, L-proline, tromethamine, urea, xylitol, caffeine, glycine/glycine anhydride, vanillin, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate(methylparaben), succinimide, L-alanine, mannitol, L-phenylalanine, saccharin, propylparaben, N-methylglucamine, L-tyrosine, gentisic acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, L-methionine, maltol, L-lysine, tromethamine, nicotinamide, isonicotinamide, phenylalanine, benzoquinone, terephthalaldehyde, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, pyruvic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid, vanillic acid, ethyl vanillin, isonicotinic acid, gallic acid, menthol (e.g., racemic menthol or ()-menthol), paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, glucose, serine, malic acid, acetamide, sulfacetamide, benzoic acid, creatine, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, clofibric acid, taurine (tauric acid), iproniazid, L-histadine, L-arginine, L-asparagine, glutamine, L-cysteine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, morpholine, theronine, N-methylglucamine, 3-hydroxy-2-oxopropionic acid; 2-oxobutyric acid (2-ketobutyric acid), 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoic acid; 3-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid; 4-methyl-2-oxopentanoic acid; and 2-oxopentanedioic acid, 2-oxo-3-phenylpropionic acid; 5-oxooctanoic acid; and 5-oxodecanoic acid, aldonic acids (e.g., glyceric acid, xylonic acid, gluconic acid, and ascorbic acid), ulosonic acids (e.g., neuraminic acid and ketodeoxyoctulosonic acid), uronic acids (e.g., glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, and iduronic acid), aldaric acids (e.g., tartaric acid, meso-galactaric acid/mucic acid, and D-glucaric acid/saccharic acid), galactaric acid), and polyfunctional aromatic acids.

[0218] In some embodiments, the conformer is a polyfunctional aromatic acid. Polyfunctional aromatic acids often comprise a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group as the aromatic component, but can alternatively comprise another aromatic moiety, e.g., pyridine, pyrazine, imidazole, pyrazole, oxazole, thiophene, naphthalene, anthracene, and phenanthrene. Substituents on the optionally substituted aromatic acids may be any type of substituent, including, but not limited to, halo (e.g., Cl, F, Br, and I); alkyl, halogenated alkyl (e.g., CF.sub.3, 2-Br-ethyl, CH.sub.2F, CH.sub.2Cl, CH.sub.2CF.sub.3, or CF.sub.2CF.sub.3); alkenyl, hydroxyl; amino; carboxylate; carboxamido; alkylamino; arylamino; alkoxy; aryloxy; nitro; azido; cyano; thio; sulfonic acid; sulfate; phosphonic acid; phosphate; and phosphonate groups. Example polyfunctional aromatic acids can be, for example: [0219] substituted and unsubstituted aromatic dicarboxylic acids (e.g., 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid (phthalic acid), 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (isophthalic acid), 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (terephthalic acid), 2-iodo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 2-hydroxy-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 2-nitro-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 3-fluoro-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 3-amino-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 3-nitro-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4-bromo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4-amino-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4-nitro-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4-sulfo-1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 4-amino-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 5-bromo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 5-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 5-amino-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 5-nitro-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 5-ethynyl-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 5-cyano-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 5-nitro-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, 2,5-hydroxy-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, and 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid; [0220] substituted and unsubstituted hydroxybenzoic acids (e.g., 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (salicylic acid), 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-methyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-ethoxy-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-chloro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, 5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-bromo-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-bromo-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-bromo-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-fluoro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-fluoro-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-fluoro-6-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-fluoro-3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 5-fluoro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 5-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic acid (mesalamine), 5-aminomethyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-formyl-3-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-formyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 5-(acetylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid), 4-nitro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-diethyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-diisopropyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (syringic acid), 3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,6-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4-difluoro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-diiodo-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-amino-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dinitro-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4,6-tribromo-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 2,3,4,5-tetrafluoro-6-hydroxybenzoic acid); [0221] substituted and unsubstituted dihydroxybenzoic acids (e.g., 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (pyrocatechuic acid/hypogallic acid), 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (-resorcylic acid), 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid/hydroquinonecarboxylic acid), 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid (-resorcylic acid), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (protocatechuic acid), 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (-resorcylic acid), 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid (vanillic acid), 6-methyl-2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (orsellenic acid), 4-bromo-3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 5-bromo-2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 5-bromo-3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 6-carboxymethyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dibromo-2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 3,5-dichloro-2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and 5-amino-3-chloro-2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid); [0222] substituted and unsubstituted trihydroxybenzoic acids (e.g., 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid (phloroglucinol carboxylic acid), and 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (gallic acid)); [0223] substituted and unsubstituted aromatic tricarboxylic acids (e.g., 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid (trimellitic acid); and [0224] substituted and unsubstituted aromatic tetracarboxylic acids (e.g., 1,2,3,4-benzenetetracarboxylic acid (mellophanic acid) and 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid (pyromellitic acid). Further contemplated are various combinations of any of the foregoing acids.

[0225] In some embodiments, the coformer is L-malic acid, succinic acid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the coformer is 1,1,6,6-tetraphenyl-2,4-hexidiyne-1,6-diol. In some embodiments, the coformer is di-iodotetrafluoro benzene, 4,4-diiodooctafluorobiphenyl, or 1,4-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)benzene. In some embodiments, the coformer is orotic acid.

[0226] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent is present in the form of a salt co-crystal. A salt co-crystal is a type of hybrid structure with both salt and co-crystal characteristics. Typically, a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine molecule, or other active agent within a salt co-crystal is associated with at least two coformers (which may be the same or different), wherein one coformer is in ionic form (e.g., an acid) and transfers a proton to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine molecule, or other active agent, and wherein a second coformer does not transfer a proton to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine molecule, or other active agent. Suitable acids and coformers are generally those described herein above with respect to salts and co-crystals.

[0227] The stoichiometry of the co-crystals and salt co-crystals described herein can vary. For example, in certain embodiments, where two components are present, the stoichiometry can range in certain embodiments from about 5:1 to about 1:5 compound:coformer. Where more than one coformer is used to form a co-crystal or salt co-crystal, the ratios of the coformers with respect to both the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent and to one another can also vary.

[0228] The co-crystals and salt co-crystals described herein can, in some embodiments, exist in various polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic forms, as well as solvates and hydrates.

[0229] In some embodiments, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent is present in the form of a salt-co-crystal. In some embodiments, the salt-co-crystal is a bis-orotic acid salt-co-crystal. In some embodiments, the bis-orotic acid salt-co-crystal is a hemi-hydrate.

Ion Pairing

[0230] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent is present in the form of an ion pair. Ion pairing describes the partial association of oppositely charged ions in relatively concentrated solutions to form distinct chemical species called ion pairs. The strength of the association (i.e., the ion pairing) depends on the electrostatic force of attraction between the positive and negative ions (e.g., a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine and the conjugate base of a suitable acid). By conjugate base is meant the base resulting from deprotonation of the corresponding acid (e.g., benzoate is the conjugate base of benzoic acid). In embodiments comprising ion pairing, on average, a certain population of these ion pairs exists at any given time, although the formation and dissociation of ion pairs is continuous. In some embodiments, in the aerosol generating material as disclosed herein, and/or upon oral use of said aerosol generating material (e.g., upon contact with saliva), the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent and the conjugate base of an acid exist at least partially in the form of an ion pair. Ion pairing is further described in, for example, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2021/050741 to Poole et al., and US Application Publication Nos. 2021/0068447 to Keller et al., 2023/0138306A1 to Zawadzki et al., and 2022/0346434 to Von Cosmos et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0231] One of skill in the art will recognize that the extent of ion pairing in the disclosed aerosol generating material, both before and during use by the consumer, may vary based on, for example, pH, the nature of the acid, the concentration of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent, the concentration of the acid or conjugate base of the acid present in the aerosol generating material, the moisture content of the aerosol generating material, the ionic strength of the aerosol generating material, and the like. One of skill in the art will also recognize that ion pairing is an equilibrium process influenced by the foregoing variables. Accordingly, quantification of the extent of ion pairing is difficult or impossible by calculation or direct observation. However, the presence of ion pairing may be demonstrated through surrogate measures, such as partitioning of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent between octanol and water, or by performing membrane permeation studies of aqueous solutions of, for example, the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine plus acids and/or their conjugate bases. An octanol-water partitioning favoring distribution of an ion pair into octanol is predictive of good absorption of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine), or other active agent through the oral mucosa. However, as described above, in some embodiments, the properties of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine), or other active agent are such that no ion pairing is required, and accordingly, the aerosol generating material is substantially or completely free of any ion pairing. By substantially free it is meant that no measurable degree of ion pairing is present.

[0232] In embodiments where ion pairing is desired, the aerosol generating material comprises an organic acid, an alkali metal salt of an organic acid, or both. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent is associated with at least a portion of the organic acid, the alkali metal salt thereof, or a combination thereof in the form an ion pair. As used herein, the term organic acid refers to an organic (i.e., carbon-based) compound that is characterized by acidic properties. Typically, organic acids are relatively weak acids (i.e., they do not dissociate completely in the presence of water), such as carboxylic acids (CO.sub.2H) or sulfonic acids (SO.sub.2OH). As used herein, reference to organic acid means an organic acid that is intentionally added. In this regard, an organic acid may be intentionally added as a specific aerosol generating material ingredient as opposed to merely being inherently present as a component of another composition ingredient (e.g., the small amount of organic acid which may inherently be present in a composition ingredient). For the avoidance of doubt, reference herein to an organic acid is intended to distinguish the acid present in ion paired forms over the acid which may be present in salts, co-crystal, and salt co-crystals. While one of skill in the art will recognize that certain organic acids suitable for formation of ion pairs overlap with those identified as suitable for salt or co-crystal formation, it is to be understood that the particular acid used for each of salts, co-crystals, and ion pairs are to be selected specifically for each such embodiment, and reference herein to an organic acid is specific to acids suitable for ion pairing. Accordingly, the presence in the aerosol generating material of an organic acid as defined below is to be interpreted solely with respect to ion pairing, even if such organic acid is also suitable for salt formation or co-crystal formation, and the presence of such an organic acid does not imply that a salt or co-crystal is present unless explicitly identified. Further, in embodiments where there is no ion pairing intended, the aerosol generating material may be characterized as substantially or completely free of organic acids (i.e., having less than 0.001% by weight of organic acid, or less than 0.0001%, or even 0% by weight of organic acid, based on the total weight of the aerosol generating material, or as having an amount of organic acid below the limit of detection). This is not to be interpreted as meaning that the aerosol generating material is substantially or completely free of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine salts or substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine co-crystals unless explicitly recited.

[0233] The amount of organic acid or alkali metal salt thereof present in the aerosol generating material, relative to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine (e.g., 2-methyl-5-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine), or other active agent, may vary. Generally, as the concentration of the organic acid (or the conjugate base thereof) increases, the percent of substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent that is ion paired with the organic acid increases. This typically increases the partitioning of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent in the form of an ion pair, into octanol versus water as measured by the log P (the log.sub.10 of the partitioning coefficient). In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises from about 0.05, about 0.1, about 1, about 1.5, about 2, or about 5, to about 10, about 15, or about 20 molar equivalents of the organic acid, the alkali metal salt thereof, or the combination thereof, relative to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent, calculated as the free base of the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent.

[0234] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises from about 2 to about 10, or from about 2 to about 5 molar equivalents of the organic acid, the alkali metal salt thereof, or the combination thereof, relative to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent on a free-base basis. In some embodiments, the organic acid, the alkali metal salt thereof, or the combination thereof, is present in a molar ratio with the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent from about 2, about 3, about 4, or about 5, to about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10. In embodiments wherein more than one organic acid, alkali metal salt thereof, or both, are present, it is to be understood that such molar ratios reflect the totality of the organic acids present. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises benzoic acid and sodium benzoate wherein a total amount of benzoate (i.e., benzoic acid and benzoate) is in a molar ratio in a range from about 3 to about 5 relative to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the total amount of benzoate to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally substituted 3-(azetidin-2-yl)pyridine, optionally 3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine, or other active agent is about 3.2 or about 4.8.

[0235] In some embodiments, the organic acid inclusion is sufficient to provide a pH of from about 4.0 to about 9.0, such as from about 4.5 to about 7.0, or from about 5.5 to about 7.0, from about 4.0 to about 5.5, or from about 7.0 to about 9.0. Reference herein to a pH means the pH of an aqueous solution of the aerosol generating material prepared by dissolving or suspending 5 grams of aerosol generating material in 95 grams of water and measuring the pH of the resulting solution with a calibrated pH meter.

[0236] In some embodiments, the organic acid inclusion is sufficient to provide a pH of from about 4.5 to about 6.5, for example, from about 4.5, about 5.0, or about 5.5, to about 6.0, or about 6.5. In some embodiments, the desired pH is from about 4.5 to about 6.5, and the organic acid is provided in a quantity sufficient to provide such a pH. In some embodiments, the organic acid is provided in a quantity sufficient to provide a pH of from about 5.5 to about 6.5, for example, from about 5.5, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, or about 6.0, to about 6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, or about 6.5.

[0237] In some embodiments, a mineral acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or the like), alone or in combination with an organic acid, is added to adjust the pH of the aerosol generating material to the desired value. In some embodiments, a buffer (e.g., a buffer as described herein below) is added to the aerosol generating material to the desired value, and/or to maintain the pH of the aerosol generating material at the desired value.

[0238] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material further comprises a solubility enhancer to increase the solubility of one or more of the organic acid or salt thereof. Suitable solubility enhancers include, but are not limited to, humectants as described herein, such as glycerol or propylene glycol.

Other Active Agents

[0239] In some embodiments, the article (e.g., the aerosol generating material, one or more of the portions of material comprising the body of material, or both) comprises an active agent in addition to the substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine. The additional active agent may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active agent may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active agent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active agent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theanine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active agent may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis or another botanical (other than tobacco).

Nicotine

[0240] In some embodiments, the article comprises nicotine as an active agent. In some embodiments, the article can be completely free or substantially free of nicotine (3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine). In some embodiments the article is completely free of (R)-, (S)-, and (R/S)-3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine (e.g., having 0% by weight of nicotine, including racemic nicotine and nicotine enantiomers, calculated as the free base and based on the total weight of the article).

Cannabinoids

[0241] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises one or more cannabinoids. As used herein, the term cannabinoid refers to a class of diverse natural or synthetic chemical compounds that acts on cannabinoid receptors (e.g., CB1 and CB2) in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. Cannabinoids are cyclic molecules exhibiting particular properties such as the ability to easily cross the blood-brain barrier. Cannabinoids may be naturally occurring (Phytocannabinoids) from plants such as cannabis, (endocannabinoids) from animals, or artificially manufactured (synthetic cannabinoids).

[0242] Cannabis species express at least 85 different phytocannabinoids, and these may be divided into subclasses, including cannabigerols, cannabichromenes, cannabidiols, tetrahydrocannabinols, cannabinols and cannabinodiols, and other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabmolic acid (THCA), and tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A).

[0243] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from the group consisting of cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabinodiol (CBDL), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabivarin (CBV), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabigerol monomethyl ether (CBGM), cannabinerolic acid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Cannabinol propyl variant (CBNV), cannabitriol (CBO), tetrahydrocannabmolic acid (THCA), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCV A), and mixtures thereof.

[0244] In certain embodiments, the cannabinoid is selected from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and cannabidiol (CBD), another major constituent of the plant, but which is devoid of psychoactivity. All of the above compounds can be used in the form of an isolate from plant material or synthetically derived. Certain cannabinoids, including but not limited to CBD and THC, may exist in more than one isomeric form, for example 8- and 9-THC. Such isomeric forms may be naturally occurring or may be synthetic. For avoidance of doubt, reference within the present disclosure to a cannabinoid is intended to be inclusive of any and all isomeric forms thereof.

[0245] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid comprises at least tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In some embodiments, the THC is 8-THC. In some embodiments, the THC is 9-THC.

[0246] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid comprises at least cannabidiol (CBD). In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). In some embodiments, the CBD is synthetic CBD. In some embodiments, the CBD is 8-CBD. In some embodiments, the CBD is 9-CBD.

[0247] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid (e.g., CBD) is added to one or more components of the article in the form of an isolate. An isolate is an extract from a plant, such as cannabis, where the active material of interest (in this case the cannabinoid, such as CBD) is present in a high degree of purity, for example greater than 95%, greater than 96%, greater than 97%, greater than 98%, or around 99% purity.

[0248] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid is an isolate of CBD in a high degree of purity, and the amount of any other cannabinoid in the article is no greater than about 1% by weight of the article, such as no greater than about 0.5% by weight of the article, such as no greater than about 0.1% by weight of the article, such as no greater than about 0.01% by weight of the article.

[0249] The choice of cannabinoid and the particular percentages thereof which may be present within the article will vary depending upon the desired characteristics of the material.

[0250] In some embodiments, the cannabinoid (such as CBD) is present in the article in a concentration of at least about 0.001% by weight of the article, such as in a range from about 0.001% to about 2% by weight of the article. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid (such as CBD) is present in the article in a concentration of from about 0.1% to about 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the article. In some embodiments, the cannabinoid (such as CBD) is present in a concentration from about 0.4% to about 1.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the article.

[0251] Alternatively, or in addition to a cannabinoid, the other active agent may include a cannabimimetic, which is a class of compounds derived from plants other than cannabis that have biological effects on the endocannabinoid system similar to cannabinoids. Examples include yangonin, alpha-amyrin or beta-amyrin (also classified as terpenes), cyanidin, curcumin (tumeric), catechin, quercetin, salvinorin A, N-acylethanolamines, and N-alkylamide lipids. Such compounds can be used in the same amounts and ratios noted herein for cannabinoids.

Terpenes

[0252] Other active agents suitable for use in the article can also be classified as terpenes, many of which are associated with biological effects, such as calming effects. Terpenes are understood to have the general formula of (C.sub.5H.sub.8).sub.n and include monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. Terpenes can be acyclic, monocyclic or bicyclic in structure. Some terpenes provide an entourage effect when used in combination with cannabinoids or cannabimimetics. Examples include beta-caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, beta-citronellol, linalyl acetate, pinene (alpha or beta), geraniol, carvone, eucalyptol, menthone, iso-menthone, piperitone, myrcene, beta-bourbonene, and germacrene, which may be used singly or in combination.

[0253] In some embodiments, the terpene is a terpene derivable from a phytocannabinoid producing plant, such as a plant from the stain of the Cannabis sativa species, such as hemp. Suitable terpenes in this regard include so-called C10 terpenes, which are those terpenes comprising 10 carbon atoms, and so-called C15 terpenes, which are those terpenes comprising 15 carbon atoms. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises more than one terpene. For example, the active agent may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more terpenes as defined herein. In some embodiments, the terpene is selected from pinene (alpha and beta), geraniol, linalool, limonene, carvone, eucalyptol, menthone, iso-menthone, piperitone, myrcene, beta-bourbonene, germacrene and mixtures thereof.

[0254] Terpenes and/or cannabinoids may be present as an active agent, as an aerosol former, or as a flavorant. The amount of terpene and/or cannabinoid present may vary accordingly based on their intended purpose.

[0255] In some embodiments, the active agent comprises caffeine, melatonin, an amino acid, a vitamin, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the active agent comprises taurine, theanine, vitamin B6, B12, or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.

Flavoring Agent

[0256] In some embodiments, the article (e.g., the aerosol generating material, one or more of the portions of material comprising the body of material, or both) as described herein comprises a flavoring agent. As used herein, a flavoring agent or flavorant is any flavorful or aromatic substance capable of altering the sensory characteristics associated with the article or the vapor produced therefrom. Examples of sensory characteristics that can be modified by the flavoring agent include taste, mouthfeel, moistness, coolness/heat, and/or fragrance/aroma. Flavoring agents may be natural or synthetic, and the character of the flavors imparted thereby may be described, without limitation, as fresh, sweet, herbal, confectionary, floral, fruity, or spicy.

[0257] Flavoring agents may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. Flavoring agents may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents.

[0258] Flavorants may further include flavor enhancers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, and trigeminal sensates. As used herein, trigeminal sensate refers to a flavoring agent which has an effect on the trigeminal nerve, producing sensations including heating, cooling, tingling, and the like. Non-limiting examples of trigeminal sensate flavoring agents include capsaicin, citric acid, menthol, Sichuan buttons, erythritol, and cubebol.

[0259] In some embodiments, the article comprises a sensate which provides to the user of such aerosol generating aerosol generating material a cooling effect. Suitable cooling agents include, but are not limited to, menthane, menthone, menthone ketals, menthone glycerol ketals, substituted p-menthanes, acyclic carboxamides, monomenthyl glutarate, substituted cyclohexanamides, substituted cyclohexane carboxamides, substituted ureas and sulfonamides, substituted menthanols, hydroxymethyl and hydroxymethyl derivatives of p-menthane, 2-mercapto-cyclo-decanone, hydroxycarboxylic acids with 2-6 carbon atoms, cyclohexanamides, menthyl acetate, menthyl salicylate, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl ester of N-[[5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexyl]carbonyl]glycine (WS-5), WS-14, N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide (WS-23), WS-27, WS-30, ()-Menthyloxyethanol (Coolact 5), WS-NA (FEMA 4693), WS-116 (FEMA 4603), N-ethyl-2,2-diisopropylbutanamide, isopulegol, menthyloxy propane diol, 3-(1-menthoxy)propane-1,2-diol, 3-(1-menthoxy)-2-methylpropane-1,2-diol, p-menthane-2,3-diol, p-menthane-3,8-diol, 6-isopropyl-9-methyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4,5]decane-2-methanol, menthyl succinate and its alkaline earth metal salts, trimethylcyclohexanol, N-ethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide, Japanese mint oil, peppermint oil, 3-(1-menthoxy)ethan-1-ol, 3-(1-menthoxy)propan-1-ol, 3-(1-menthoxy)butan-1-ol, 1-menthylacetic acid N-ethylamide, 1-menthyl-4-hydroxypentanoate, 1-menthyl-3-hydroxybutyrate, menthyl glutarate, N,2,3-trimethyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-butanamide, N-ethyl-trans-2-cis-6-nonadienamide, N,N-dimethyl menthyl succinamide, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,3-dimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide, substituted p-menthanes, substituted p-menthane-carboxamides, 2-isopropanyl-5-methylcyclohexanol, menthyl ethylene glycol carbonate, menthone glycerol ketals (e.g., menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal), menthone (S)-lactic acid ketal, menthyl acetoacetate, 3-1-menthoxypropane-1,2-diol, menthyl lactate, eucalyptus extract, menthol propylene glycol carbonate, menthol ethylene glycol carbonate, menthol glyceryl ether, N-tert-butyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, p-menthane-3-carboxylic acid glycerol ester, methyl-2-isopropyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxamide, (1R,2S,5R)-N-(4-(carbamoylmethyl)phenyl)-menthylcarboxamide, 2-[2-(p-menthan-3-yloxy)ethoxy]ethanol, (1R,2R,4R)-1-(2-Hydroxy-4-methylcyclohexyl)ethenone, 2-(p-tolyloxy)-N-(1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-N-((thiophen-2-yl)methyl)acetamide, menthol methyl ether, menthyl pyrrolidone carboxylate, 2,5-dimethyl-4-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-3(2H)-furanone, cyclic a-keto enamines, and cyclotene derivatives (e.g., 3-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one and 5-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-2-cyclopenten-1-one). Other compounds include the alpha-keto enamines disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,884 to Hofmann et al., which is incorporated in its entirety herein. These and other suitable cooling agents are further described in the following U.S. patents, all of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference hereto: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,230,688; 4,032,661; 4,459,425; 4,178,459; 4,296,255; 4,136,163; 5,009,893; 5,266,592; 5,698,181; 6,277,385; 6,627,233; 7,030,273. Still other suitable cooling agents are further described in US Patent Application Publications Nos. 2005/0222256 and 2005/0265930, each of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference hereto. In some embodiments, the cooling agent comprises menthol, eucalyptus, mint, menthol, menthyl esters, eucolyptol, WS-3, WS-23, WS-5, (1R,2S,5R)-N-(4-(cyanomethyl)phenyl)menthylcarboxamide (Evercool 180), (1R,2S,5R)-N-(2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl)menthylcarboxamide (Evercool 190), or a combination thereof.

[0260] In some embodiments, the article does not comprise a flavoring agent, and comprises only a cooling agent to provide the desired user experience. In some embodiments, the cooling agent is WS-3.

[0261] In some embodiments, the article comprises a modulator or sensate which provides to the user of such article a warming effect. Suitable warming agents include, but are not limited to, ethers of vanillyl alcohol (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl), gingerol, shogaol, paradol, zingerone, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, homodihydrocapsaicin, benzyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the warming agent comprises vanillyl butyl ether, vanillyl ethyl ether, capsaicin, or a combination thereof.

[0262] Flavoring agents may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, or a solid such as a powder or wax. In some instances, the flavoring agent may be provided in a spray-dried form or a liquid form.

[0263] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.

[0264] The amount of flavoring agent utilized in the article can vary, but is typically up to about 60% by weight. For example, the article may comprise up to about 60 wt %, about 50 wt %, about 40 wt %, about 30 wt %, about 20 wt %, about 10 wt % or about 5 wt % of a flavoring agent. In some embodiments, the article may comprise at least about 0.5 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 2 wt %, about 5 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 20 wt % or about 30 wt % of flavoring agent (calculated on a dry weight basis). For example, the article may comprise from about 10 to about 60 wt %, from about 20 to about 50 wt % or from about 30 to about 40 wt % of flavoring agent.

[0265] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.

[0266] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.

[0267] In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol.

Functional Materials

[0268] In some embodiments, the article, or a component thereof, such as the aerosol generating material or the body of material, further comprises a functional material such as pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, and combinations thereof.

Preparation of the Portions of Material

[0269] In those embodiments where the body of material comprises a plurality of portions, the manner in which the portions of material of the disclosure are prepared may vary. As described herein below, in some embodiments, the portions of material comprising the body of material as described herein are in sheet form (e.g., cast, extruded, or paper recon sheet) or shredded or gathered sheet form. The material(s) in sheet form may be prepared according to typical band casting, extrusion, or paper recon methods.

[0270] In some embodiments, the material(s) in sheet form is prepared by a band casting method. The band casting method of preparing a material of the disclosure generally comprises the steps of combining a tobacco or non-tobacco botanical material as described herein, an active agent as described herein (e.g., a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine as described herein), a binder as described herein, water, and optionally an aerosol former as described herein to form a slurry; casting the slurry onto a surface to form a sheet; and drying the sheet. A suitable band casting method is described in, for example, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2024/161119, incorporated by reference herein with respect to band casting methodology. As an alternative to or in addition to adding the active agent to the slurry components, at least a portion of the active agent may be applied during or after drying (e.g., by spraying it on or wiping it onto the sheet). The active agent is generally applied as a solution in, for example, an aerosol former such as glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture thereof. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that adding the active agent solely after sheet formation, either during or after drying, may reduce the potential for contamination and/or increase the homogeneity of distribution of the substituted active agent in the aerosol generating material.

[0271] In some embodiments, the material(s) in sheet form is prepared by a paper recon method. The paper recon method of preparing a material of the disclosure generally comprises the steps of mixing a portion of tobacco or non-tobacco botanical material as described herein with a solvent such as water in order to extract the soluble components contained therein; separating the soluble extract from the fibrous portion by physical separation; mixing and refining the fibrous portion to produce a refined pulp, for example by chemically treating the fibrous portion; passing the refined pulp into a papermaking machine in order to form a base sheet; impregnating the base sheet with a active agent and aerosol former, each as described herein; and drying the impregnated sheet to form the material in sheet form. A suitable paper recon method is described in, for example, International Patent Application Publication No. WO2024/149846, incorporated by reference herein with respect to paper recon methodology. As described with respect to the band casting method, at least a portion of the active agent may be applied during or after drying of the sheet as an alternative or in addition to incorporating into the base sheet before drying, and provides the same potential advantages.

[0272] In some embodiments, the material(s) in sheet form is prepared by an extrusion method, e.g., as an extruded sheet or extruded granule form). The extrusion method of preparing a material of the disclosure generally comprises the steps of preparing a mixture comprising a tobacco or non-tobacco botanical material, binder, active agent, and aerosol former, each as described herein; extruding the mixture through a die; and drying the extruded mixture. A suitable extrusion method is described in, for example, International Patent Application Publication Nos. WO2020/14853 and WO2023/118840, each of which is incorporated by reference herein with respect to extrusion methodology. As described with respect to the band casting and paper recon methods, at least a portion of the active agent may be applied during or after drying of the sheet as an alternative or in addition to incorporating into the mixture before extrusion, and provides the same potential advantages.

Form of the Portions of Material

[0273] In those embodiments where the body of material comprises a plurality of portions, the form(s) of the plurality of portions of material comprising the body of material may vary. In some embodiments, the portions of material are strips of a sheet material, such as a reconstituted non-tobacco botanical material. In some embodiments, the portions of material comprise a sheet material which is not cut into strips, but which is gathered to form the body in a manner similar to that of a crepe filter.

[0274] In some embodiments, the portions of material comprise a first sheet material and a second sheet material, which may be the same or different.

[0275] In some embodiments, the portions of material comprise a first sheet material and a second sheet material, and the first sheet material is gathered to form the body or cut into strips from which the body of material is formed. In some embodiments, the portions of material comprise a first sheet material and a second sheet material, and the second sheet material is gathered to form the body or cut into strips from which the body of material is formed.

[0276] In some embodiments, the portions of material comprise a first sheet material and a second sheet material, and both the first sheet material and the second sheet material are gathered to form the body or cut into strips from which the body of material is formed.

[0277] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the active agent present is added to the portions(s) of material after gathering, forming strips, or otherwise processing or combining the portions of material. As described above, adding the active agent at a late stage (i.e., top dressing) may have advantages such as reducing the potential for contamination and/or increasing the homogeneity of distribution.

[0278] In some embodiments, the first material is in sheet form and the second material is in the form of one or more microcapsules or threads.

[0279] In some embodiments, the first material is in gathered sheet form and the second material is in the form of microcapsules or threads embedded in the body of material.

[0280] In some embodiments, the active agent is present in the gathered material. In some embodiments, the active agent is present in the microcapsules. In some embodiments, the active agent is present in both the gathered material and in the microcapsules.

[0281] In some embodiments, the body of material comprises a first body of material, and the article further comprises a second body of material adjacent to the first body of material.

[0282] In some embodiments, the second body of material is arranged downstream of the first body and upstream of the aerosol generating portion.

[0283] In some embodiments, the article comprises an upstream end, and the second body of material is positioned at the upstream end of the article.

[0284] In some embodiments, the second body of material comprises a sheet material. In some embodiments, the sheet material is in gathered form, the sheet material is in the form of strips, or both.

[0285] The location of the portions of the body of material within the article may vary. For example, in some embodiments, the body of material is present in the form of a plug at a distal end of the article, located upstream from the aerosol generating portion. In such embodiments, the body of material is referred to as an end plug.

[0286] In some embodiments, the end plug comprises a central cavity for receiving an aerosol generator (e.g., a pin heater).

[0287] In some embodiments, the end plug does not comprise a central cavity, but is configured to deform to allow receipt of an aerosol generator (e.g., a pin heater). For example, in some embodiments, the end plug is in a sheet form as described herein and is configured such that the sheet material is easily deformed to allow penetration of the aerosol generator.

[0288] In some embodiments, the end plug comprises a covering at the upstream end. In some embodiments, the covering is configured to be pierced or deformed by an aerosol generator (e.g., a pin heater). In some embodiments, the covering is a paper flap.

[0289] In some embodiments, the end plug is present in the article in combination with a single extruded aerosol generating material section. In some embodiments, the extruded aerosol generating material section comprises longitudinally extending airflow channels. In some embodiments, extruded aerosol generating material section comprises a botanical material as described herein. In some embodiments, the extruded aerosol generating material section comprises rooibos.

[0290] In some embodiments, the end plug is present in the article in combination with a plurality of longitudinal strands of aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a botanical material as described herein. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises rooibos.

[0291] In some embodiments, the end plug is present in the article in combination with a shredded aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises a botanical material as described herein. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material comprises rooibos.

[0292] Articles according to embodiments of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the Figures. A side-on cross-sectional view of an article 1 for use in an aerosol provision system as disclosed herein is provided as FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the article comprises a consumable for a non-combustible aerosol provision system. With reference to the present disclosure, a consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. The various system components are described further herein below.

[0293] The article 1 comprises an aerosol generating portion as described herein above. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating portion comprises a cylindrical rod of aerosol generating material 2, and a mouthpiece 3 downstream from and connected to the rod of aerosol generating material 2. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is tobacco. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is a non-tobacco botanical material. The article 1 may be used within a non-combustible aerosol provision device to form a non-combustible aerosol provision system. In other examples, the article 1 can include its own heat source, forming an aerosol provision system without requiring a separate aerosol provision device.

[0294] In some embodiments, the article further comprises a component 4 at an upstream end of the article. The component 4 includes a body of material 5 as disclosed herein, wrapped in a component wrapper 6. In some embodiments, the component wrapper 6 is a foil backed paper. In other examples, the component wrapper 6 can be a metal foil, or a paper plug wrap. The body of material 5 optionally includes an internal cavity 20, which can be advantageous for use with a pin heater as described herein. The article 1 optionally further includes a covering 22 (e.g., in the form of a flap or plug) at the distal end of the body of material 5, which can serve, for example, as a covering for all or a portion of the body of material or the optional central cavity. The use of a covering 22 can, for example, protect the body of material (or the central cavity) and minimize loss of the active agent (e.g., a substituted 3-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)pyridine) until pierced by a pin heater as described herein. Although shown in FIG. 1 as a covering 22 of substantially all of the distal end of the body of material 5, the covering 22 could also be in the form of a plug in the distal end of a central cavity within the body of material.

[0295] In some embodiments, the body of material 5 comprises a plurality of portions of material. In some embodiments, the portions of material are strips 8 of a sheet material (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the portions of material comprise sheet material, which is not cut into strips, but which is gathered to form the body in a manner similar to that of a crepe filter. In some embodiments, the portions of material may comprise a first sheet material and a second sheet material, each or either of which may be provided as a sheet and gathered to form the body 5, or cut into strips from which the body 5 is formed.

[0296] In some embodiments, the strips or sheets forming the body of material 5 can have a combined width, prior to any crimping, of between 100 mm and 240 mm, for instance between 140 mm and 200 mm. Such widths can provide a good balance between the pressure drop through the length of the body of material 5 and the firmness of the body of material 5.

[0297] In some embodiments, the plurality of portions of material comprises a first material and a second material. The first material can have a different visual appearance to the second material and be arranged such that the separate portions of the first and second materials are visible at an end of the article.

[0298] Either or each of the first and second material may be a sheet material. For instance, the first material may be a sheet material, and the second material may comprise microcapsules, which may be applied to the first material as the material is gathered into the body 5, such that the body 5 comprises a gathered sheet material and microcapsules embedded in the body of material. In other examples, the second material may comprise an encapsulated additive, a thread loaded with an aerosol-modifying agent or an active material, or a reconstituted tobacco material.

[0299] The one or more capsules incorporated into the body 5, for instance in the form of a plurality of capsules such as microcapsules, or a single capsule, can be heat-activated and/or pressure-activated to release the capsule payload. In some embodiments, the one or more capsules can be arranged to release their payload, for instance in the form of a liquid payload, when exposed to temperatures greater than 100 degrees centigrade, or greater than 150 degrees centigrade. Alternatively or in addition, the one or more capsules can be arranged to release their payload upon exposure to force applied to the capsule, for instance by a consumer pinching the body of material 5. In either case, since the body of material 5 is in a location upstream and/or adjacent to the aerosol-generating material, the body of material 5 is exposed to heat when the aerosol generating material is heated and as a result the capsule payload can be efficiently aerosolized and delivered to the consumer.

[0300] In some embodiments, the body of material 5 is formed from a plurality of crimped and gathered strips of a sheet material 8. The plurality of strips are gathered laterally to form the body 5, which has a generally cylindrical outer shape. In some embodiments, the plurality of strips of material 8 comprise low porosity paper. In other examples, the plurality of strips of material 8 may comprise a foil or a foil backed paper, an aerosol-generating film or an aerosol-generating film laminated on a support, for instance a paper material.

[0301] In some embodiments, the body 5 may be formed from a plurality of strips of material 8 cut from a plurality of different materials. For instance, a first sheet material having a first visual appearance and a second sheet material having a second visual appearance, arranged such that when a plurality of strips formed from the first and second materials are gathered to form a body, the body has a distinctive visual appearance when viewed from a longitudinal end.

[0302] In some embodiments, the plurality of strips of material 8 are formed from a sheet material having a permeability of between about 1,000 and about 50,000 Coresta Units, in some examples between about 5,000 and about 50,000 Coresta Units. Such levels of permeability have been advantageously found to result in a component 4 in which the material forming the body 5 is more evenly distributed within the body 5, and less likely to form channels extending longitudinally through the body 5. For a given weight of strips of material 8, the increased permeability therefore results in a higher resistance to draw through the length of the body 5. This means that a lower average density of sheet material can be used in the body 5 to achieve a desired resistance to draw, thus saving on material. In addition, sheet material having a higher permeability also has a more open structure, and therefore for degradable materials this can result in an improvement in the time for the component 4 to degrade. Where additives (e.g., active agent(s)) are to be applied in liquid form to the sheet material, the increased permeability can also result in a sheet material which is more absorbent, meaning that a larger volume of additive can be applied for a given weight of material. The additive may be applied to the sheet material prior to forming the plurality of strips 8, or to the plurality of strips 8 once formed.

[0303] The permeability of the plurality of strips 8 can be measured according to the international standard ISO 2965:2019, as known to those skilled in the art. If the plurality of strips 8 are of a size which is smaller than the minimum surface area required for the test under ISO 2965:2019, the permeability of the strips may be determined for the sheet material/s from which the plurality of strips 8 are formed.

[0304] In some embodiments, the sheet material is biodegradable. Biodegradability can be measured according to the procedure set out under ISO 14855-2:2018. Components as described herein can achieve a biodegradation of greater than 50% in 30 days when exposed to either fresh or marine water.

[0305] In some embodiments, the plurality of strips 8 may comprise a non-porous sheet material, having for example, a porosity of less than 100 Coresta Units, for instance less than 50 Coresta Units. In some examples, the sheet material may comprise a metal foil. For instance, the sheet material may be a metal foil, or a paper backed metal foil.

[0306] In some embodiments, the body 5 has a resistance to draw of between 1 mmH.sub.2O and 30 mmH.sub.2O, for instance between 5 mmH.sub.2O and 25 mmH.sub.2O, or between 10 mmH.sub.2O and 20 mmH.sub.2O. Preferably, the body 5 has a resistance to draw of between 0 mmH.sub.2O and 20 mmH.sub.2O. This resistance to draw can be between 1% and 30% of the resistance to draw across the article, for instance between 5% and 25%, or between 10% and 20%. Advantageously, providing a component 4 having a resistance to draw between 5% and 25% of the resistance to draw across the article at a position upstream of the rod of aerosol generating material 2 reduces the relative contribution of the rod of aerosol-generating material to the overall resistance to draw of the article. As a consequence, the overall resistance to draw of the article 1 is less sensitive to variations in the resistance to draw of the rod of aerosol generating material, which may occur due to the organic nature of the tobacco material, and it is also possible to provide a higher level of ventilation into the rod of aerosol generating material whilst keeping the overall resistance to draw through the length of the article 1 at an acceptable level. Ventilation may be provided into the rod of aerosol generating material 2 such that the overall level of ventilation of the article 1 is between 10% and 60%, or between 25% and 80%, for instance up to 70%, up to 65%, up to 60%, up to 55%, or up to 50%.

[0307] The resistance to draw of the body 5 (and other resistance to draw and pressure drop measurements referred to herein) is measured according to the ISO standard method (ISO6565:2015). The resistance to draw refers to the closed resistance to draw, in which any ventilation zones into the article or body under measurement are closed. In some embodiments, the resistance to draw through the length of the body 5 is at least 5 mmH.sub.2O, or at least 7 mmH.sub.2O, or at least 8 mm H.sub.2O.

[0308] In some embodiments, the resistance to draw through the length of the body 5 is at least 1.1 mmH.sub.2O/mm, or at least 1.5 mm H.sub.2O/mm, or at least 2 mmH.sub.2O/mm.

[0309] In some embodiments, the article 1 has a ventilation level of about 70% of the aerosol drawn through the article 1.

[0310] In some embodiments, the body 5 is formed from a plurality of strips 8 cut from a sheet material. In alternative examples, the body 5 may be formed from single gathered sheet of material, or from a plurality of sheets of material, which are gathered together to form the body 5. Each of the plurality of sheets of material may have the same or different properties, for instance their dimensions, permeability, thickness, basis weight, and aerosol generating material. Similarly, the plurality of strips of material 8 may, in some examples, comprise strips cut from a plurality of different sheet materials.

[0311] In some embodiments, sheet material is cut into strips 8, which are gathered to form the body 5. In the present example, the strips 8 extend through the full length of the body 5. In other examples, the strips 8 may be cut to a length which is less than the length of the body 5. In some examples, the strips 8 have a length of at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm or at least 8 mm. In some embodiments, the strips 8 have a width of at least 0.5 mm, for instance at 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm or least 2.5 mm. In some examples, the strips have a width of at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm. In some examples, the strips 8 have a width of less than 50 mm, for instance less than 45 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 30 mm, or less than 20 mm. The width of a strip refers to the un-crimped and un-gathered width, and may be determined by separating strips 8 from a body 5, and stretching the strip 8 until no visible crimp remains. The dimensions of the plurality of strips 8 as set out above may be determined as an average of the width or length of the strips 8 in a given body of material 5.

[0312] The plurality of strips 8 can be formed from a sheet or sheets of cellulosic material. For instance, paper sheets, sheets of tobacco material, sheets of non-tobacco botanical material or combinations thereof. In some examples, the plurality of strips 8 forming the body 5 can be formed from sheet material having a basis weight of between about 20 and about 80 gsm, or between about 30 and about 50 gsm, or between about 36 and about 45 gsm, or between about 55 and about 75 gsm. Alternatively or in addition, the sheet material of the plurality of strips 8 can have an uncrimped thickness of between about 50 m and about 500 m, between about 50 m and about 350 m, between about 60 m and about 300 m, or between about 60 m and about 160 m.

[0313] In some embodiments, the plurality of strips 8 can comprise a metal foil, for instance aluminum foil, optionally a paper-backed aluminum foil. In other examples, the plurality of strips 8 may comprise an aerosol generating material, for example, a paper reconstituted tobacco material, or an aerosol generating film. Optionally, the aerosol generating film may be laminated on a supporting material, such as paper.

[0314] The body of material 5 can have a weight of from about 5 mg to about 15 mg per mm of length of said body, or between about 8 mg and about 12 mg per mm of length of said body, or about 10 mg per mm of length of said body.

[0315] The plurality of strips 8 may be crimped to increase the amount of sheet material that can be included in the body 5. At least one of the one of more plurality of strips 8 extending through the body 5 can have a crimp pattern including a series of substantially parallel ridges and grooves.

[0316] In some embodiments, the sheet material is crimped and cut simultaneously to form crimped strips of sheet material. For example, the sheet material may be passed through an apparatus comprising an arrangement of rollers and/or discs configured to apply a crimp pattern to a sheet material and cut the material into strips as it passes through the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may comprise an alternating arrangement of cutting discs and crimping rollers, configured to engage the sheet material.

[0317] In some embodiments, sheet material is crimped prior to being cut into strips to form the body 5. In other examples, the crimped sheet of material may be formed into the body 5 without cutting the material into strips. The sheet material may be passed through a pair of crimping rollers. In the present example, the first body 5 comprises a plurality of strips of crimped sheet material formed having a crimp pattern comprising a series of substantially parallel ridges and grooves. The crimping may make it easier to gather the plurality of strips 8 or sheet material to form the body 5. The crimping may also increase the total width of sheet material that can be used to form a body 5 of a particular volume, for example by including a greater number of strips of sheet material or wider strips of sheet material. Increasing the width of sheet material in the body 5 may increase the available surface area of the sheet material in the body 5, which can increase the amount of moisture that may be absorbed by the body 5. Thus, increased amounts of condensate can be absorbed by the body 5, resulting in a more hygienic user experience when the article 1 is used in a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0318] In some embodiments, the average spacing between adjacent ridges in a strip of sheet material is greater than about 0.3 mm. In addition, in the present example, the crimp amplitude is less than about 0.7 mm. The crimp amplitude (also known as crimping factor) refers to the depth of the grooves the crimping forms in the plurality of strips 8 forming the body. That is, crimping the sheet material produces a plurality of peaks and troughs in the sheet material when viewed from a first side of the sheet material, as shown in FIG. 2, wherein the crimp amplitude A is the depth of the troughs, measured from their peak.

[0319] The crimping may form a Zig-Zag formation or another shape. In some examples, adjacent grooves of the crimped sheet material are spaced by a distance, or have a pitch P, in the range of 0.3 to 2 mm and, preferably, in the range of 0.4 to 1 mm. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the crimped sheet material are spaced by a distance in the range of 0.1 to 3 mm and, preferably, in the range of 0.2 to 2 mm. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the crimped sheet material 8 are spaced by a distance of at least 0.1 mm and, preferably, at least, 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 or 3 mm. In some embodiments, adjacent grooves of the crimped sheet material are spaced by a distance of at most 3 mm, for instance, at most, 2.5, 2, 1, 1.5, 0.7, 0.5, 0.2 or 0.1 mm.

[0320] Although FIG. 2 illustrates a strip of sheet material 8 having a plurality of ridges and grooves, the actual number of ridges and grooves formed in a crimped strip 8 will depend on the relative width of the strip and spacing of adjacent grooves in the crimping pattern. In some examples, the strips of sheet material 8 are not crimped.

[0321] In some embodiments, the sheet material is heated as it is crimped. For example, the sheet material may be passed between crimping rollers, wherein one or both of the crimping rollers is heated. For example, one or both of the rollers may be heated to a temperature of up to 100 degrees Celsius, for example 50 degrees Celsius or 60 degrees Celsius. The amount of pressure applied to the sheet material passing between the rollers may also be varied. Heating the roller/s or applying a higher level of pressure to the sheet material can result in a higher level of crimping. For example, the crimp can be applied using a roller surface with a temperature of greater than 30 C., greater than 40 C. or greater than 50 C.

[0322] The average density of the body 5 can be between about 0.1 and about 0.25 mg/mm.sup.3. In the present example, the density of the body of material 5 is about 0.19 mg/mm.sup.3. In some embodiments, the body 5 has a density of at least 0.1 mg/mm.sup.3, 0.12 mg/mm.sup.3 or 0.15 mg/mm.sup.3. The density of a body of material can be measured by separating said body from an article and surrounding plug wraps and/or tipping paper, and removing any embedded objects, but including any additives added to the plurality of strips of sheet material 8. The density may be calculated as a bulk density based on the weight of the strips 8 and any additives added to the strips 8, and the overall volume occupied by the strips 8. For instance, the overall volume of the body of material 5 measured inside the plug wrap 6.

[0323] In some embodiments, the body of material is not formed from a sheet material, but from another fibrous material, such as cotton or cellulose acetate.

[0324] In some embodiments, an aerosol former as described herein may be added to the material forming the body of material. For example, a flavor carrier or glycerol may be applied to the sheet material before forming the strips 8 and body of material 5. In some embodiments, the body of material 5 includes an organic acid as described herein.

[0325] In some embodiments, the body 5 comprises an aerosol former in an amount from 10% to 30% by weight. In some embodiments, the body of material 5 comprises an aerosol former in an amount less than 5% by weight.

[0326] In some embodiments, the body of material 5 comprises a combustion retarding material, for instance a combustion retarding salt and an aerosol-generating film, as described in International Patent Application No. WO2020/183163, or a salt gel. In some embodiments, the combustion retarding salt is incorporated into an amorphous solid material, to form a salt gel as referred to herein. This means that the combustion retarding salt is included within the amorphous solid aerosol generating material. For example, during the preparation of the amorphous solid material, a liquid precursor of the amorphous solid material is mixed with combustion retarding salt. This distributes the combustion retarding salt throughout the resultant amorphous solid material. In some embodiments, the distribution of the combustion retarding salt is even throughout the amorphous solid and this may be advantageous as the combustion retarding effect is effective across all of the material. The combustion retarding salt may be added in the form of a solution or suspension. Alternatively, the combustion retarding salt may be added to the liquid precursor in solid form, for example in particulate form, such as a powder.

[0327] In some embodiments, the combustion retarding salt is added or applied to an amorphous solid material. For example, once the amorphous solid material has been prepared, a solution or suspension comprising the combustion retarding salt is applied to the surface of the amorphous solid material, to deposit the combustion retarding salt on the surface of the amorphous solid material.

[0328] In some embodiments, the component 4 has a length of about 6 mm. In alternative embodiments the component 4 may have any length in the range of about 3 mm to about 15 mm, preferably about 4 mm to about 6 mm.

[0329] The outer circumference of the component 4 is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the rod of aerosol-generating material 2, such that there is a smooth transition between these components.

[0330] Although only a single body of material 5 has been described with reference to the drawings, in alternative embodiments, the article 1, 1, 1 of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 may include additional sections, such as additional bodies of material or other sections such as tubular sections. The additional sections may be immediately upstream, immediately downstream of the component 4, or both, and may be formed from any materials suitable for use in the article described herein.

[0331] As set out in greater detail below, providing the component 4 at an upstream end of the article 1 can provide several advantages. For instance, the stability of the article 1, in use, may be improved, by preventing fall-out of aerosol generating material from the upstream end of the article. Where the component 4 comprises a body of material having a resistance to draw between about 5% and 25% of the resistance to draw of the article 1 this can also result in greater consistency of resistance to draw between articles, since the contribution of the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 to the overall resistance to draw of the article 1 is relatively less. Advantageously, the relatively high resistance to draw of the component 4 can make the overall resistance to draw of the article 1 less sensitive to variations in the resistance to draw of the rod of aerosol generating material.

[0332] The component 4 is connected to the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 by a connecting wrapper 7. In the present case, the connecting wrapper 7 is a paper wrapper. In other examples, the connecting wrapper 7 may be a paper backed foil wrapper, or a metal foil. Preferably, at least one of the wrapping material 6 and the connecting wrapper 7 comprises a non-combustible material, suitably a metal foil. In some examples, at least one of the wrapping material 6 and the connecting wrapper 7 is non-combustible. For instance, the wrapping material 6 or the connecting wrapper 7 may be aluminum foil, or a paper backed aluminum foil. Advantageously, providing an article where the component 4 at the upstream end of the article is circumscribed by a non-combustible material, such as a metal foil, may prevent a user of the article from lighting the article in the manner of a conventional cigarette, where the article is not intended for such use. In the present example, the connecting wrapper 7 circumscribes substantially the entire length of the component 4 and the rod of aerosol generating material 2.

[0333] Advantageously, connecting the component 4 to the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 with a connecting wrapper 7 which extends over substantially the entire length of the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 can provide additional strength and rigidity to the rod of aerosol-generating material. This can be particularly advantageous where the aerosol-generating material is less densely packed, or provided in a form having an inherently lower level of structural stability, such as granular tobacco.

[0334] The connecting wrapper 7 is adhered to both the component 4 and the rod of aerosol-generating material 2. At least part of the inner surface of the connecting wrapper 7 is covered by a layer of adhesive. It has been surprisingly found that applying a reduced amount of adhesive to the connecting wrapper 7 can result in the formation of an improved aerosol. This may be achieved by reducing the thickness of the layer of adhesive, or preferably by providing gaps in the layer of adhesive. Preferably, the layer of adhesive is discontinuous. For example, prior to combining the component 4 and the tobacco rod 2, adhesive may be applied to the connecting wrapper 7 in bands, such that the remaining portions of the connecting wrapper 7 are entirely free of adhesive. When the connecting wrapper 7 with bands of adhesive is wound around the component 4 and the rod of aerosol-generating material 2, portions of the component 4 and the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 may be free of adhesive. The bands of adhesive may extend in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the article, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the article, or at another angle, such as diagonal to the longitudinal axis. Providing a discontinuous layer of adhesive on the inner surface of the connecting wrapper 7 may advantageously improve the ease of manufacture of the article 1, since less of the connecting wrapper 7 is wetted by the adhesive which can result in a higher tensile strength of the connecting wrapper 7 during manufacture.

[0335] Other means of varying or reducing the amount of adhesive applied to the connecting wrapper 7 may be employed. For instance, the adhesive layer may be applied in a different pattern, for instance a dot matrix.

[0336] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the area of the inner surface of the connecting wrapper 7 is free of adhesive. Suitably, at least 30%, at least 40%, or at least 50% of the area of the inner surface of the connecting wrapper 7 is free of adhesive.

[0337] Suitably, the connecting wrapper 7 has a tensile strength of at least 2.5 kgf/15 mm, for instance at least 3 kgf/15 mm, or at least 3.5 kgf/15 mm. The tensile strength of the connecting wrapper 7 may be determined in accordance with the test method T 494.

[0338] In some embodiments, the connecting wrapper 7 has a permeability of at least 3 Coresta Units. In some examples, the connecting wrapper 7 has a permeability of at least 5 Coresta Units, at least 10 Coresta Units, or at least 20 Coresta Units. In some examples, this permeability is an inherent property of the connecting wrapper 7. In other examples, the connecting wrapper 7 may be provided with perforations to increase the material permeability. In some examples, the combined permeability of the rod wrapper 10 and the connecting wrapper 7, together with any intermediate layer of adhesive, is at least 25 Coresta Units, or at least 30 Coresta Units, or at least 50 Coresta Units. The combined permeability of the rod wrapper 10 and the connecting wrapper 7 together with any intermediate layer of adhesive may be determined by breaking down the article 1 to separate the wrapping materials from the rod of aerosol-generating material, and measuring the total permeability through the wrapping materials surrounding the rod of aerosol-generating material, i.e., the rod wrapper 10, the connecting wrapper 7, and any intermediate layer of adhesive, in accordance with ISO 2965:2019.

[0339] In some embodiments, connecting wrapper 7 has a basis weight between about 27 gsm and about 70 gsm, for instance between about 36 gsm and about 50 gsm, or about 36 gsm, about 41 gsm, about 44 gsm or about 48 gsm. Using a basis weight in these ranges provides a configuration having improved firmness and resilience of the article, for instance during and after use of the article with a heating device as described herein.

[0340] In some embodiments, component wrapper 6 has a basis weight between about 27 gsm and about 70 gsm, for instance about 36 gsm, about 41 gsm, or about 44 gsm.

[0341] In some embodiments, the component 4 is adjacent to an upstream end of the rod of aerosol generating material 2. In other examples, more than one component may be provided upstream of the rod of aerosol generating material. For example, a first component 4 may be provided at the upstream end of the article, and a second component may be provided in between the first component 4 and the rod of aerosol generating material 2.

[0342] In some embodiments, the article 1 has an outer circumference of about 21 mm (i.e. the article is in the demi-slim format). Preferably, the article 1 has a rod of aerosol-generating material having a circumference greater than 19 mm. This has been found to provide a sufficient circumference to generate an improved and sustained aerosol over a usual aerosol generation session preferred by consumers. As the article is heated, heat transfers through the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 to volatize components of the aerosol generating material, and circumferences greater than 19 mm have been found to be particularly effective at producing an aerosol in this way. Since the article is to be heated to release an aerosol, improved heating efficiency can be achieved using articles having circumferences of less than about 23 mm. To achieve improved aerosol via heating, while maintaining a suitable product length, rod circumferences of greater than 19 mm and less than 23 mm are preferable. In some examples, the rod circumference can be between 20 mm and 22 mm, which has been found to provide a good balance between providing effective aerosol delivery while allowing for efficient heating.

[0343] The outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is substantially the same as the outer circumference of the rod of aerosol generating material 3, such that there is a smooth transition between these components. In some embodiments, the outer circumference of the mouthpiece 2 is about 20.8 mm.

[0344] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece includes a cooling section 13, positioned downstream of the rod of aerosol-generating material 2. In the present example, the cooling section 13 is in an abutting relationship with the rod of aerosol generating material 2. In some embodiments, additional components may be provided between the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 and the cooling section 13.

[0345] The mouthpiece 3 also includes, in some embodiments, a mouthpiece body 14 downstream of the cooling section 13, and a hollow tubular element 15 downstream of the mouthpiece body 14, at the mouth end of the article 1. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 15 may be omitted, and the mouthpiece body 14 may form the mouth end of the article. In embodiments where the hollow tubular element 15 is omitted, the length of the mouthpiece body 14 may be increased, or a further body of material may be provided at the mouth end.

[0346] In some embodiments, the cooling section 13 defines an air gap within the mouthpiece. The air gap provides a chamber through which heated volatilized components generated by the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 flow. The cooling section 13 is hollow to provide a chamber for aerosol accumulation yet rigid enough to withstand axial compressive forces and bending moments that might arise during manufacture and whilst the article 1 is in use. The cooling section 13 provides a physical displacement between the rod of aerosol generating material 2 and downstream portions of the mouthpiece 3.

[0347] In some embodiments, the internal volume of the cooling section 13 is greater than 130 mm.sup.3. Providing a cavity of at least this volume has been found to enable the formation of an improved aerosol. Such a cavity size provides sufficient space within the mouthpiece 2 to allow heated volatilized components to cool, therefore allowing the exposure of the aerosol-generating material 2 to higher temperatures than would otherwise be possible, since they may result in an aerosol which is too warm. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 3 comprises a cavity having an internal volume greater than 170 mm.sup.3, and still more preferably greater than 200 mm.sup.3, allowing further improvement of the aerosol. In some embodiments, the internal cavity comprises a volume of between about 130 mm.sup.3 and about 700 mm.sup.3 and, preferably, between about 160 mm.sup.3 and about 700 mm.sup.3. For example, the internal cavity may have a volume between about 170 mm.sup.3 and about 300 mm.sup.3.

[0348] The cavity can be configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 40 degrees Celsius between a heated volatilized component entering a first, upstream end of the cavity and a heated volatilized component exiting a second, downstream end of the cavity. The cavity is preferably configured to provide a temperature differential of at least 60 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 80 degrees Celsius and more preferably at least 100 degrees Celsius between a heated volatilized component entering a first, upstream end of the cavity and a heated volatilized component exiting a second, downstream end of the cavity. This temperature differential across the length of the cavity can protect temperature sensitive elements of the mouthpiece downstream of the cavity from the high temperatures of the aerosol generating material 2 when it is heated.

[0349] Preferably, the length of the cooling section 13 is less than about 50 mm. More preferably, the length of the cooling section 13 is less than about 40 mm. Still more preferably, the length of the cooling section 13 is less than about 35 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the cooling section 13 is preferably at least about 10 mm. Preferably, the length of the cooling section 13 is at least about 15 mm.

[0350] In some embodiments, the length of the cooling section 13 is from about 15 mm to about 35 mm, more preferably from about 20 mm to about 30 mm, even more preferably from about 23 to about 27 mm, most preferably about 25 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the cooling section 13 is 25 mm.

[0351] In some embodiments, the cooling section 13 is formed from a plurality of layers of paper which are parallel wound, with butted seams, to form a hollow tube. In the present example, first and second paper layers are provided in a two-ply tube, although in other examples 3, 4 or more paper layers can be used forming 3, 4 or more ply tubes. Other constructions can be used, such as spirally wound layers of paper, cardboard tubes, tubes formed using a papier-mch type process, molded or extruded plastic tubes or similar.

[0352] In some embodiments, the cooling section 13 preferably has a wall thickness of at least about 50 m and up to about 1 mm, preferably between 100 m and 500 m and more preferably between 100 m and 150 m. In the present example, the cooling section 13 has a wall thickness of about 150 m. The wall thickness of the cooling section corresponds to the thickness of the wall of the hollow tube in a radial direction, not including any surrounding material in which the hollow tube may be embedded. The wall thickness of the cooling section 13 may be measured, for example, using a caliper.

[0353] In some embodiments, the thickness of the wall of the cooling section 13 is at least 50 microns and, preferably, at least 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, or 105 microns. In some embodiments, the thickness of the wall of the cooling section is at least 100 or 110 microns.

[0354] In some embodiments, the thickness of the wall of the cooling section 13 is less than 1000 microns and, preferably, less than 500 microns.

[0355] The cooling section 13, mouthpiece body 14 and hollow tubular element 15 are connected by a combining wrapping material 11.

[0356] In some embodiments, the article 1 is provided with first and second parallel rows of perforations 12 through the tipping material 9, combining wrapping material 11, and cooling section 13, providing ventilation into the mouthpiece 3 at the cooling section 13. In some embodiments, the perforations 12 are formed as laser perforations, at positions about 18 mm and about 19 mm respectively from the downstream, mouth-end 3b of the mouthpiece 3. In some embodiments, the ventilation can be provided into the mouthpiece 3 at other locations.

[0357] In some embodiments, the mouthpiece body 14 is a filter. However, it should be recognized that in other examples the mouthpiece body 14 may be provided without substantially filtering the inhalant of the article 1.

[0358] The mouthpiece body 14 is formed from fibrous material. In the present example, the mouthpiece body 14 is formed from a sheet material. In the present example, the sheet material is paper. The sheet material may be folded to form the mouthpiece body 14. The mouthpiece body 14 may be formed from a continuous web of sheet material. In the present example, the sheet material is gathered to form the body 14 in a similar manner to a crepe filter.

[0359] The hollow tubular element 15 is positioned at the mouth end of the article 1. In the present example, the hollow tubular element 15 is formed from a plurality of layers of paper which are parallel wound, with butted seams, to form a hollow tube, as described in relation to the cooling section 13. The hollow tubular element 15 may be formed according to any of the means described for the cooling section 13 and may have any wall thickness as described in relation to the cooling section 13.

[0360] Preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element 15 is less than about 20 mm. More preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element 15 is less than about 15 mm. Still more preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element 15 is less than about 10 mm. In addition, or as an alternative, the length of the hollow tubular element 15 is at least about 5 mm. Preferably, the length of the hollow tubular element 15 is at least about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the hollow tubular element 15 is from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, more preferably from about 6 mm to about 10 mm, even more preferably from about 6 mm to about 8 mm, most preferably about 6 mm, 7 mm or about 8 mm. In some embodiments, the hollow tubular element 15 has a length of 6 mm.

[0361] In some embodiments, a tipping paper 9 is wrapped around the full length of the mouthpiece 3 and over part of the rod of aerosol-generating material 2, and has an adhesive on its inner surface to connect the mouthpiece 3 and rod 2. In some embodiments, the tipping paper 9 extends 5 mm over the rod of aerosol generating material 2 but it can alternatively extend between 3 mm and 15 mm over the rod 2, or between 4 mm and 6 mm, to provide a secure attachment between the mouthpiece 3 and rod 2.

[0362] In some embodiments, the rod of aerosol generating material 2 is wrapped in a rod wrapper 10. The rod wrapper 10 can, for instance, be a paper or paper-backed foil wrapper. As described above, the connecting wrapper 7 circumscribes substantially the entire length of the rod of aerosol-generating material 2, such that the rod of aerosol generating material is circumscribed by two wrappers along substantially its entire length. Such a double wrapped rod of aerosol-generating material may have improved stiffness and/or rigidity. Advantageously, this can allow a lower density rod of aerosol generating material to be provided, whilst maintaining the desired level of stiffness.

[0363] In some embodiments, the rod wrapper 10 may comprise a flavorant, an aerosol former, or an aerosol generating material.

[0364] FIG. 3 is a side-on cross-sectional view of a further article 1 for use in an aerosol provision system. Article 1 is substantially the same as article 1, except for the configuration of wrappers surrounding the component 4 and the rod of aerosol generating material 2. In article 1, the connecting wrapper 7 is replaced by a connecting wrapper 7, which circumscribes the component 4 and a portion of the rod of aerosol generating material 2. The connecting wrapper 7 extends over only a portion of the rod of aerosol generating material 2. For example, the connecting wrapper 7 may extend over the rod of aerosol generating material by about 3 mm to about 10 mm, for instance by about 5 mm.

[0365] The connecting wrapper 7 may be the same as the connecting wrapper 7, except for the length of the connecting wrapper 7. The connecting wrapper 7 has a length such that the connecting wrapper 7 does not extend over the entire length of the rod of aerosol-generating material 2.

[0366] FIG. 4 is a side-on cross-sectional view of a further article 1 for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The article 1 is substantially the same as the article 1, except for the arrangement of wrappers connecting the components of the article. In the present case the mouthpiece 3 comprising the cooling section 13, mouthpiece body 14, and hollow tubular element 15 connected by the wrapping material 11, is joined to the rod of aerosol-generating material 2 and the wrapped component 4 by a further wrapper 17, which extends along substantially the entire length of the article 1. In some embodiments, the further wrapper 17 comprises paper. The further wrapper 17 can comprise a tipping paper.

[0367] FIG. 5 is a side-on cross-sectional view of a further article 1, comprising an additional, second component 41, upstream of the aerosol-generating portion 2 and the component 4 is therefore a first component 4. The article 1 is substantially the same as the article 1, except that the length of the first component 4 is reduced in the present example, and the additional component 41 is provided downstream, of the first component 4. In the present example, each of the components 4, 41 have a length of 3 mm, such that the combined length of the components 4, 41 is the same as the component 4 of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, components 4, 41 may have any suitable length as described above in relation to component 4.

[0368] In some embodiments, each of the components 4, 41 are formed from a plurality of portions of material, in the present case said portions being strips of sheet material. In the present example, the strips of sheet material forming the first body 5 of the first component 4 and the strips of sheet material forming the second body 51 of the additional component 41 are different materials. In some embodiments, the first and second bodies 5, 51 may be formed from a sheet or sheets, or strips of the same material, but may differ in other ways, for instance in the provision of an active agent in one or other of the bodies, or in the amount of material from which the first or second body 5, 51 is formed.

[0369] In some embodiments, the first component 4 comprises a first body 5 including a plurality of strips of sheet material, as described in reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The strips or sheets forming the first and second bodies of material 5, 51 can have a combined width, prior to any crimping, of between 100 mm and 240 mm, for instance between 140 mm and 200 mm. Such widths can provide a good balance between the pressure drop through the length of the body of material 5 and the firmness of the body of material 5.

[0370] In some embodiments, the additional component 41 comprises a second body of material 51. The second body of material 51 may be formed in any suitable way and from any material as described in relation to body of material 5. In the present example, the second body of material 51 comprises a plurality of strips 81 (not shown) material, which are gathered to form the body 51. The strips 81 are formed from a second sheet material. In some embodiments, the strips 81 comprise an aerosol generating film. Optionally, the aerosol generating film may be laminated on a support material, for example paper.

[0371] In some embodiments, the plurality of strips 8 forming body 5 comprise a metal foil, suitably an aluminum foil.

[0372] In some embodiments, the body 5 comprises an aerosol former in an amount less than 5% by weight.

[0373] In some embodiments, the body of material 51 of the downstream upstream component 41 may preferably comprise an aerosol former. The provision of an aerosol former in the body 41 may result in the generation of an improved aerosol.

[0374] The provision of adjacent components 4, 41 at the upstream end of the article 1 may advantageously provide a displacement of the rod of aerosol generating material 2 from the distal end of a heating arrangement into which the article 1 is inserted, in use, towards an area where the aerosol generating material may be heated more effectively. Such effect may be further enhanced by the provision of a component 4 at the upstream end of the article 1 which is arranged to act as a heat exchanger, and may advantageously improve the transfer of heat into the air flowing into the article 1. This may be achieved, for instance, by providing a component 4 comprising a body 5 formed from strips comprising a metal foil, for instance aluminum foil.

[0375] In embodiment where the upstream component 4 comprises strips of a metal foil, and the downstream component 41 comprises an aerosol former, the aerosol generated by the article in use may be particularly improved. The combined effect of the upstream component 4 improving the heating of air passing into the article 1 and the downstream component 41 providing additional aerosol former may advantageously result in an improved experience for the consumer of the article 1, in use.

[0376] The components 4, 41 are each circumscribed by a component wrapper 6, 61, and combined by connecting wrapper 7, as described above in relation to FIG. 1. In alternative examples, the components 4, 41 may be combined by a further wrapping material, prior to being combined with the rod of aerosol generating material by wrapper 7.

[0377] In some embodiments, an article 1 according to the present disclosure may be formed by the method illustrated in FIG. 6. The method comprises the steps: providing a body of material, an aerosol generating portion, and a wrapping material (S101); combining the body of material and the aerosol generating portion with the wrapping material to form a component (S102); further providing a mouthpiece and a further wrapping material (S103); and combining the mouthpiece and the component to form an article (S104).

[0378] In some embodiments, an article 1 according to the present disclosure may be formed by the method illustrated in FIG. 7, comprising the steps: providing a cooling section, a mouthpiece body, a hollow tubular element, and a wrapping material (S201); combining the cooling section, the mouthpiece body, and the hollow tubular element with the wrapping material to form a mouthpiece (S202); further providing an aerosol generating portion, a body of material, and a further wrapping material (S203); and combining the mouthpiece, the aerosol generating portion and the body of material with the further wrapping material to form an article (S204).

[0379] The ignition propensity of a paper wrapping material for use in an article may be determined according to ISO 5729:2021.

[0380] Articles, for instance those in the shape of rods, are often named according to the product length: regular (typically in the range 68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), short or mini (68 mm or less), king size (typically in the range 75-91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), long or super-king (typically in the range 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and ultra-long (typically in the range from about 110 mm to about 121 mm). They are also named according to the product circumference: regular (about 23-25 mm), wide (greater than 25 mm), slim (about 22-23 mm), demi-slim (about 19-22 mm), super-slim (about 16-19 mm), and micro-slim (less than about 16 mm). Accordingly, an article in a king-size, super-slim format will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm.

[0381] Each format may be produced with mouthpieces of different lengths. The mouthpiece length will be from about 10 mm to 50 mm, for instance from 15 mm to 35 mm. A tipping paper connects the mouthpiece to the aerosol-generating material and will usually have a greater length than the mouthpiece, for example from 3 to 15 mm longer or 3 to 12 mm longer, such that the tipping paper covers the mouthpiece and overlaps the aerosol-generating material, for instance in the form of a rod of aerosol-generating material, to connect the mouthpiece to the rod.

[0382] Articles and their aerosol-generating materials and components described herein can be made in, but are not limited to, any of the above formats.

System

[0383] In another aspect is provided a system comprising an article as disclosed herein, and a heating device configured to receive the aerosol generating portion. Such systems may be referred to as delivery systems. As used herein, the term delivery system is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: [0384] combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); [0385] non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosol-generating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials; and [0386] aerosol-free delivery systems that deliver the at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.

[0387] As used herein, a non-combustible aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0388] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0389] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0390] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0391] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0392] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device, also referred to has a heating device, and a consumable or article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

[0393] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0394] In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, and a filter.

[0395] An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0396] Example aerosol generator technologies include an induction heater, a laser heater, a plasma heater, a microfluidic heater, a convection heater, allotrope of carbon heater, carbon foam heater, a radio-frequency heater, an electro-resistive heater, and a halogen heater.

[0397] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energized so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

[0398] In some embodiments, the system comprises an article as described herein, and a heating device configured to receive the aerosol generating portion, wherein the heating device is configured to externally heat the aerosol generating portion, inductively heat the aerosol generating portion, resistively heat the aerosol generating portion, or a combination thereof.

[0399] FIG. 8 shows an example of a non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating medium/material such as the aerosol generating material of a consumable 110, as described herein. In broad outline, the device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article 110 comprising the aerosol-generating medium, for instance an article 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1 or as described elsewhere herein, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100. The device 100 and replaceable article 110 together form a system.

[0400] The device 100 comprises a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) which surrounds and houses various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 in one end, through which the article 110 may be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the article 110 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly where it may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly.

[0401] The device 100 of this example comprises a first end member 106 which comprises a lid 108 which is moveable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when no article 110 is in place. In FIG. 8, the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, however the lid 108 may move into a closed configuration. For example, a user may cause the lid 108 to slide in the direction of arrow B.

[0402] The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 112, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 112.

[0403] The device 100 may also comprise an electrical component, such as a socket/port 114, which can receive a cable to charge a battery of the device 100. For example, the socket 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.

[0404] As shown FIG. 9, the components of an embodiment of a non-combustible aerosol provision device 30 are shown in a simplified manner. Particularly, the elements of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 30 are not drawn to scale in FIG. 9. Elements that are not relevant for the understanding of this embodiment have been omitted to simplify FIG. 9.

[0405] The non-combustible aerosol provision device 30 comprises a housing 32 comprising an area 34 for receiving an article. The area is in the form of a cavity, open at the proximal end (or mouth end) for receiving an aerosol-generating article, such as the article 1 of FIG. 1. The distal end of the cavity is spanned by an aerosol-generating assembly comprising an aerosol generator 36. In this embodiment, the aerosol-generator is in the form of a resistively heated elongate pin.

[0406] The aerosol generator 36 is retained by a heater mount (not shown) such that an active heating area of the aerosol generator is located within the cavity. The active heating area of the aerosol generator 36 is positioned, for example, within one or both of the body of material and the aerosol-generating section of an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the cavity.

[0407] The aerosol generator 36 is configured for insertion into, for example, a central cavity in a body of material (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), and may also extend into an aerosol-generating section of an aerosol-generating article. As noted above, the aerosol generator 36 is shaped in the form of a pin terminating in a rounded point. The pin has a length dimension that is greater than its width dimension. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 36 is adapted to penetrate a covering (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) before entering a central cavity in a body of material.

[0408] Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed herein and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.