T

Theobromine

IUPAC: 3,7-dimethylpurine-2,6-dione

C7H8N4O2 Organic Compounds CAS 83-67-0
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC7H8N4O2
CAS Number83-67-0
Molecular Weight180.16
Melting Point675 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling PointSublimes at 554-563 °F (NTP, 1992)
Density1.522 g/cu cm at 20 °C; relative density: 1.522 at 20 °C
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceTheobromine is an odorless white crystalline powder. Bitter taste. pH (saturated solution in water): 5.5-7. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As3,7-dimethylpurine-2,6-dione; 83-67-0; 3,7-Dimethylxanthine; Diurobromine; Theosalvose; Santheose; Teobromin; Theostene; 3,7-Dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione; Thesal
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Theobromine?

Theobromine is a dimethylxanthine having the two methyl groups located at positions 3 and 7. A purine alkaloid derived from the cacao plant, it is found in chocolate, as well as in a number of other foods, and is a vasodilator, diuretic and heart stimulator. It has a role as a bronchodilator agent, a vasodilator agent, an adenosine receptor antagonist, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite, a food component and a human blood serum metabolite.

Formula & Notation

C7H8N4O2

IUPAC Name: 3,7-dimethylpurine-2,6-dione

Other Names / Synonyms: 3,7-dimethylpurine-2,6-dione; 83-67-0; 3,7-Dimethylxanthine; Diurobromine; Theosalvose; Santheose; Teobromin; Theostene; 3,7-Dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione; Thesal

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Theobromine is an odorless white crystalline powder. Bitter taste. pH (saturated solution in water): 5.5-7. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C7H8N4O2. Molecular weight: 180.16 g/mol. Boiling point: Sublimes at 554-563 °F (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 675 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.522 g/cu cm at 20 °C; relative density: 1.522 at 20 °C. Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -0.8.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point675 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling PointSublimes at 554-563 °F (NTP, 1992)
Density1.522 g/cu cm at 20 °C; relative density: 1.522 at 20 °C
Molecular Weight180.16
Solubilityless than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceTheobromine is an odorless white crystalline powder. Bitter taste. pH (saturated solution in water): 5.5-7. (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 Theobromine
Formula C7H8N4O2
CAS Number 83-67-0
Molecular Weight 180.16
Synonyms 3,7-dimethylpurine-2,6-dione; 83-67-0; 3,7-Dimethylxanthine; Diurobromine; Theosalvose; Santheose; Teobromin; Theostene; 3,7-Dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione; Thesal

Frequently Asked Questions

Theobromine is a dimethylxanthine having the two methyl groups located at positions 3 and 7. A purine alkaloid derived from the cacao plant, it is found in chocolate, as well as in a number of other foods, and is a vasodilator, diuretic and heart stimulator. It has a role as a bronchodilator agent, a vasodilator agent, an adenosine receptor antagonist, a mouse metabolite, a plant metabolite, a food component and a human blood serum metabolite.

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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.