This study explores the thermal decomposition behavior of selected tobacco components: lignin, tyrosine, and glutamic acid using the system for thermal diagnostic studies (STDS) in an in-line gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analytical technique. The pyrolysis conditions employed in this study were a flowing atmosphere of nitrogen and 4% O2 in nitrogen at a residence time of 0.2 seconds for a total pyrolysis time of 3 minutes. The results identified common relationships between the two modes of reaction atmospheres, as well as some differences. While some products were favored by an inert regime, some were favored under an oxidative regime. Oxidative pyrolysis of tyrosine for instance yielded compounds of interest, e.g., hydroquinone, p...