Nicotine Molecule in 3D: C₁₀H₁₄N₂ Structure and Facts

Nicotine is the addictive molecule in tobacco. It acts on receptors in the brain and body, and in plants it works as a natural insecticide. In Molecule Studio you can spin the nicotine molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.

3D ball and stick model of the nicotine molecule, C10H14N2Explore in 3D
Nicotine, the molecule in tobacco, as a 3D ball and stick model in VisionVix Molecule Studio. Click the picture to open it live.

Nicotine quick facts

Chemical formulaC₁₀H₁₄N₂
Molar mass162.24 g/mol
Atoms in one molecule26
ShapeTwo linked rings
GroupBody

What is nicotine used for?

  • Found in tobacco
  • Nicotine replacement patches and gum
  • Once used as an insecticide

Interesting facts about nicotine

  • It is the main addictive substance in tobacco.
  • Tobacco plants make it to deter insects.
  • It acts on nicotinic receptors in the nervous system.
  • It is toxic in larger doses.

What you can do in 3D

Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.

More body molecules

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Nicotine questions

What is the formula of nicotine?

C10H14N2.

Why is nicotine addictive?

It triggers the release of dopamine in the brain's reward system.

Why do tobacco plants make nicotine?

It acts as a natural insecticide.

Is nicotine toxic?

Yes, in larger amounts it is poisonous.

Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.