You will need to download and install a Java plug-in in order to view this applet. Download Sun's Java plug-in from here.

Click and drag your mouse inside the applet above to rotate the molecule in 3-D. Applet instructions...

Switch to another visualization applet:

	miniJaMM	open in new window...
	JaMM1
	JaMM2

Caffeine

A stimulant found in drinks and used in pharmaceuticals.

Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₂N₄O₃

Other names: 1,3,7-Trimethyl-purine-2,6-dione

Layman's explanation: Caffeine is a white crystalline alkaloid found in nuts and plants. It was discovered and isolated by Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge in 1819. It is used as a pharmaceutical drug, because it stimulates the central nervous system. For example it stimulates cardiac muscles, increases alertness, and sometimes treats headaches. It acts as a stimulant, because it binds to the adenosine receptors of nerve cells which cause the cell to speed up. It also increases the levels of dopamine.

Keywords: stimulant, soft drinks, coffee

Crystallographic details...
More visualization options...
See other versions...

Reciprocal Net site software 0.9.1-50, copyright (c) 2002-2009, The Trustees of Indiana University
Files and data presented via this software are property of their respective owners.
Reciprocal Net is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation as part of the National Science Digital Library project.