C

Caffeine

IUPAC: 1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione

C8H10N4O2 Organic Compounds CAS 58-08-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC8H10N4O2
CAS Number58-08-2
Molecular Weight194.19
Melting Point460 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point352 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.23 at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceCaffeine appears as odorless white powder or white glistening needles, usually melted together. Bitter taste. Solutions in water are neutral to litmus. Odorless. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione; 58-08-2; Guaranine; 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine; Methyltheobromine; Theine; Thein; Cafeina; Caffein; Cafipel
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a trimethylxanthine in which the three methyl groups are located at positions 1, 3, and 7. A purine alkaloid that occurs naturally in tea and coffee. It has a role as a geroprotector, a mutagen, a central nervous system stimulant, a psychotropic drug, a diuretic, a xenobiotic, an EC 3.1.4.* (phosphoric diester hydrolase) inhibitor, an EC 2.7.11.1 (non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase) inhibitor, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, an adjuvant, a food additive, a ryanodine receptor agonist, an adenosine receptor antagonist, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite, a fungal metabolite, an environmental contaminant and a human blood serum metabolite. It is a purine alkaloid and a trimethylxanthine.

Formula & Notation

C8H10N4O2

IUPAC Name: 1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione

Other Names / Synonyms: 1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione; 58-08-2; Guaranine; 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine; Methyltheobromine; Theine; Thein; Cafeina; Caffein; Cafipel

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Caffeine appears as odorless white powder or white glistening needles, usually melted together. Bitter taste. Solutions in water are neutral to litmus. Odorless. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C8H10N4O2. Molecular weight: 194.19 g/mol. Boiling point: 352 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 460 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.23 at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 10 to 50 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.00000001 [mmHg]. LogP: -0.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point460 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point352 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992)
Density1.23 at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight194.19
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 73 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceCaffeine appears as odorless white powder or white glistening needles, usually melted together. Bitter taste. Solutions in water are neutral to litmus. Odorless. (NTP, 1992)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Caffeine
Formula C8H10N4O2
CAS Number 58-08-2
Molecular Weight 194.19
Synonyms 1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione; 58-08-2; Guaranine; 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine; Methyltheobromine; Theine; Thein; Cafeina; Caffein; Cafipel

Frequently Asked Questions

Caffeine is a trimethylxanthine in which the three methyl groups are located at positions 1, 3, and 7. A purine alkaloid that occurs naturally in tea and coffee. It has a role as a geroprotector, a mutagen, a central nervous system stimulant, a psychotropic drug, a diuretic, a xenobiotic, an EC 3.1.4.* (phosphoric diester hydrolase) inhibitor, an EC 2.7.11.1 (non-specific serine/threonine protein kinase) inhibitor, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, an adjuvant, a food additive, a ryanodine receptor agonist, an adenosine receptor antagonist, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite, a fungal metabolite, an environmental contaminant and a human blood serum metabolite. It is a purine alkaloid and a trimethylxanthine.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.