Abstract: An improved process is provided for the manufacture of synthetic smoking materials. The process comprises the steps of:(1) Pyrolyzing a cellulosic material at a temperature of from about 150.degree. C to about 400.degree. C, and preferably from about 175.degree. C to about 275.degree. C, under conditions such that from about 8 to about 40% and preferably from about 10 to 25% by weight of the cellulosic material is removed, and(2) Thereafter subjecting the resulting pyrolyzed cellulosic material to extraction with a basic liquid, for example, liquid ammonia, amine or aqueous bases, preferably under conditions to swell the material, whereby from about 15 to about 40%, and preferably from about 20 to about 30%, of the weight of the pyrolyzed product is removed during the extraction.