Caffeine
Description
A bitter-tasting alkaloid compound that occurs naturally in tea and Coffee. Caffeine acts as a mild stimulant when ingested. It is prepared synthetically from Uric acid. Caffeine acts as a natural Pesticide as it often paralyzes and kills insects upon ingestion.
Synonyms and Related Terms
caffein; mateine; guaranine; Koffein (Dan., Deut., Nor., Sven.); Coffein (Dan., Deut.); cafeína (Esp.); teína (Esp.); caféine (Fr.); caffeina (It.); cafeïne (Ned.); coffeïne (Ned.); kofeina (Pol.); cafeína (Port.);
Other Properties
Soluble in water (pH of 1% sollution = 6.9)
| Composition | C8H10N4O2 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 58-08-2 |
| Melting Point | 238 |
| Density | 1.2 |
| Molecular Weight | 194.19 |
| Boiling Point | 178 (sublimes) |
Hazards and Safety
Excessive use may cause restlessness, insomnia, tremors, headaches, irritability, and irregular heartbeat.
Science Stuff: MSDS
Additional Images
Caffeine
Authority
- The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998