sample="quota" bates="2026500735" isource="pm" decade="1970" class="ui" date="19750000" Summary of the Invention An improved process is provided for the manufacture of synthetic smoking materials. The process comprises the steps of: (1) Pyrolizing a cellulosic material at a temperature of from about 150ºC to about 400ºC, and preferably from about ºC to about ºC, under conditions such that from about 15 to about 40% and preferably from about to % by weight of the cellulosic material is removed and (2) Thereafter subjecting the resulting pyrolized cellulosic material to extraction with a basic liquid, for example, liquid ammonia or amine under conditions to, preferably, swell the material and whereby from about 15 to about 40 and preferably from about to about of the weight of the pyrolyzed product is removed during the extraction. Both steps should be conducted in such a manner that the overall weight loss of the original cellulosic material is in the range of from about to about %, and is preferably from about to about %.