Caffeine
| Solvent | Amount needed to dissolve
1g of caffeine | |
|---|
| Acetone | 50ml |
| Benzene | 100ml; 22ml (boiling) |
| Chloroform | 5.5ml |
| Ether | 530ml |
| Ethyl alcohol | 66ml; 22ml (60°C) |
| Water (pure) | 46ml; 5.5ml (80°C); 1.5ml (100°C) |
Caffeine acts as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, increasing alertness in people who are tired or sleepy. Caffeine occurs naturally in tea, coffee, cocoa, and chocolate, and is added to many soft drinks. Sometimes caffeine is added to products containing codeine.
Caffeine is freely soluble in pyrrole, tetrahydrofuran; soluble in water, ethyl alcohol, pyridine, acetone, chloroform, ether, benzene; slightly soluble in petroleum ether.
Precautions
You should take special care in taking caffeine if you have any of the following conditions:
- anxiety
- diabetes
- heart disease or irregular heartbeat
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- panic attacks
- peptic ulcer disease or colitis
- seizure disorder
- thyroid disease
- trouble sleeping
- an unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Side effects and overdose
Side effects that may require medical attention:
- anxiety or panic reactions
- confusion
- dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting spells
- fast or irregular breathing or heartbeat (palpitations)
- muscle twitching
- nausea and vomiting
- seizures (convulsions)
- trembling
Side effects that usually don't require medical attention:
- diarrhoea
- frequent passing of urine
- headache
- nervousness, restlessness
- stomach upset
The LD50 for caffeine for oral administration in humans is 150mg/kg and 192mg/kg in rats.
Related information: Coffee - Frequently Asked Question
Related information: Caffeine Toxicology