August 22, 2025 | UR Gate
Caffeine (C8H10N4O2) Structure, Properties and Nomenclature
Explore Caffeine (C8H10N4O2), a stimulant found in coffee and tea. Learn its chemical structure, key properties, IUPAC name, synonyms, and its impact on the central nervous system and overall alertness.
What is Caffeine (C8H10N4O2)?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the leaves and beans of over 60 plant species worldwide, most notably coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa pods. It's a psychoactive drug, celebrated for its ability to combat fatigue and enhance alertness by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleepiness. Beyond its popular use in beverages like coffee and tea, caffeine is also present in energy drinks, chocolate, and some medications, valued for its mild diuretic effects and its role in improving cognitive function and physical performance. Its chemical structure, a purine alkaloid, is key to its stimulating effects.
Properties of Caffeine (C8H10N4O2)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₀N₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 194.19 g/mol |
| Density | 1.23 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 178 °C (sublimes) |
| Melting Point | 235–238 °C |
| Hybridization | Nitrogen atoms: sp³ and sp²; Carbon atoms: sp² and sp³ |
| Appearance | White, crystalline powder or needles |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, and chloroform |
Nomenclature of Caffeine
- Common name: Caffeine
- IUPAC name: 1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione
Synonyms
- 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine
- Theine (when found in tea)
- Guaranine (when found in guarana)
- Mateine (when found in yerba mate)
- Trigonelline
- Coffeine
- 1,3,7-trimethyl-2,6-dioxopurine
- N,N,N',N'-tetramethylurea
