Question

Caffeine Molecule questions for essay 1. Explain important history about coffee in Brazil & importance of molecule -- I'll take any known info or sources to look into myself (I can't seem to find) 2. Explain any cultural activities surrounding coffee in Brazil -- I'll take any known info or website sources to look into myself (I can't seem to find) 3. Explain the chemistry of caffeine molecule & history; Chemical properties, What are the functional groups, how does in behave in the human body, etc.

Answer 1

1. First coffee tree was planted by Francisco de Melo Palheta in the state of Pará in 1727. It reached Rio de Janeiro in 1770. Developed initially for domestic use, later it turned to commercial production due to the heavy demands in America and Europe. By 1820, the coffee plantations began to expand in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais and became Brazil’s largest export material by 1830.

2. Due to its abundance, coffee has significantly protruded into the life and culture of Brazil. There are various cultural activities surrounding coffee such as micro coffee festival, International Coffee Week summit, etc. In fact. May 24 is celebrated as National Coffee Day in Brazil.

3. Structure

Chemical Name: 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. molecular structure: C₈H₁₀N₄O₂

Functional groups: There are two functional groups found in the molecule caffeine - amines and amides. There is a tertiary amine group, the nitrogen atom is attached to 3 alkyl groups and no hydrogen atoms. The second functional group found in caffeine is amides, which consists of a carboxyl group directly attached to a nitrogen atom. The caffeine molecule also contains methyl groups - CH3, carboxyl groups -C=O, an alkene group -C=C and also an imine group -C=N.

Caffeine is known to be a stimulant drug. Being a xanthine alkaloid compound it acts as a psychoactive stimulant and a mild diuretic. Caffeine is moderately soluble in water at room temperature and the solubility increases with temperature. It is sparingly soluble in ethanol. It is weakly basic in nature.

History: The word caffeine comes from the French term for café and German word kaffee.

Effects on human body: Caffeine is readily absorbed in the body. It is known to increase circulation of cortisol and adrenaline secreted by adrenal glands.