Caffeine Molecule in 3D: C₈H₁₀N₄O₂ Structure and Facts
Caffeine is the molecule in coffee, tea and cola that helps you feel awake. It works by blocking a brain chemical called adenosine, which builds up and makes you feel tired. In Molecule Studio you can spin the caffeine molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DCaffeine quick facts
| Chemical formula | C₈H₁₀N₄O₂ |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 194.19 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 24 |
| Shape | Two fused rings, flat |
| Group | Food |
What is caffeine used for?
- Coffee, tea and energy drinks
- Some pain relief medicines
- Plants use it to deter insects
Interesting facts about caffeine
- It blocks adenosine, a brain chemical linked to tiredness.
- Coffee beans, tea leaves and cocoa all contain caffeine.
- In plants it acts as a natural pesticide.
- Its two joined rings make a flat shape.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More food molecules
Caffeine questions
What is the formula of caffeine?
C8H10N4O2.
How does caffeine keep you awake?
It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, so the signal for tiredness is weaker.
Which drinks contain caffeine?
Coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks, and it is also in chocolate.
Why do plants make caffeine?
It helps protect them from insects.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.