The Caffeine Molecule
The caffeine molecule can be quite intimidating at first glance. (So many atoms sticking out every which way with an oxygen here and a nitrogen
there.) But a closer look reveals that the molecule is infact quite simple.
there.) But a closer look reveals that the molecule is infact quite simple.
Caffeine contains:
- 2 amide groups
- 3 tertiary amines, 1 secondary amine
- 1 alkene
The minimum energy for this molecule is -123.5 kcal/mol.
The molecule contains only a 5-membered ring and a 6-memberred ring. There are no strained 3- and 4-membered rings in caffeine.
Although it is commonly referred to as just "caffeine" in everyday use, there is actually a more specific name for this molecule. The
IUPAC name of caffeine is 1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione. There is also a specific registery number associated with the
molecule (almost like a social security number). Caffeine's number is 58-08-2.
- 2 amide groups
- 3 tertiary amines, 1 secondary amine
- 1 alkene
The minimum energy for this molecule is -123.5 kcal/mol.
The molecule contains only a 5-membered ring and a 6-memberred ring. There are no strained 3- and 4-membered rings in caffeine.
Although it is commonly referred to as just "caffeine" in everyday use, there is actually a more specific name for this molecule. The
IUPAC name of caffeine is 1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione. There is also a specific registery number associated with the
molecule (almost like a social security number). Caffeine's number is 58-08-2.