As you observe a cigarette burning, it might seem like you are just watching the simple combustion of dry plant matter. In reality, however, you are looking at a complex thermochemical reactor operating under extreme physical conditions; as the temperature at the glowing tip can reach nearly 900°C. Within this confined space, the tobacco does not just evaporate; it undergoes an incredible molecular decomposition and restructuring process, which transforms simple organic components into an arsenal of over 7,000 chemical compounds in a matter of second.