Caffeine : properties and examples of use

1,3,7-trimethyloxanthine commonly known as caffeine is naturally occurring alkaloid inter alia in coffee beans. It is acquired mainly in decaffeination of coffee process. It can also be synthesized by subsequent chemical reactions from uracil or by using enzymatic reaction assuming transfer of methyl group on xanthine derivatives by methyltransferase obtained from tea leaves. This alkaloid is associated mainly with coffee however it can be also found in tea or chocolate. With increasing age more and more caffeine from coffee and tea is consumed. Both drinks are its main source in human diet. During metabolite biotransformation caffeine is converted into three main products: theobromine (3,7-dimethylxanthine), theophylline (1,3-dimethylxanthine) and paraxanthine (1,7-dimethylxanthine). Caffeine polycrystals have ability to emit photons in radiative transition during phosphorescence at low temperature while its methanol solutions show fluorescence at low concentration. Caffeine might be used in synthesis of N-heterocyclic complex compound. Properly bonded with gold, silver or platinum atom might have many important properties. One of the most important properties is the possibility of binding free radicals that can cause DNA damage. Other significant properties of caffeine include its influence on the cell cycle and multiplication of cancer cells. 1,3,7- trimethylxanthine is also commonly used to reduce fatigue caused by inhibition of excitatory neurotransmitter emission. In this work we have presented interesting examples of the use of caffeine as a substrate in selected chemical syntheses. We have also included selected chemical and physical properties. In addition, we presented examples of its impact on the human body and consumption statistics based on international reports