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Caffeine Intermolecular Forces Lab Report

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The partial charges throughout caffeine molecules create dipoles, which in turn affect the intermolecular forces between caffeine molecules. Caffeine’s polarity permits the formation of dipole-dipole interactions between two caffeine molecules. The partial positive end of one caffeine molecule will be attracted to the partial negative end of another caffeine molecule, creating a relatively strong intermolecular force. The strength of this force will increase sublimation and melting points and decrease volatility because more energy will be required to overcome the dipole-dipole forces. Because solutes dissolve in solvents with similar intermolecular forces, caffeine’s polarity allows the molecule to be soluble in polar solvents. The dipole-dipole …show more content…

Various countries consumed caffeine containing plants as a source of energy in the past, while still being unaware that the compound within the plants was causing the stimulating effects. In 1819, Friedlieb Runge discovered and isolated caffeine, which gave rise to the production of new caffeine containing products. Most individuals today consume caffeine in the form of coffee because of its’ ability to decrease fatigue and drowsiness. Although caffeine is soluble in water at room temperature, the molecules will not completely dissolve; therefore, coffee is made with hot water to dissolve a greater quantity of the caffeine molecules. Caffeine produces its’ stimulating effect by interfering with adenosine, a chemical in the nervous system that releases signals to notify the body when sleep is needed. Adenosine is a by-product of brain function and it will accumulate in the body throughout the day. Eventually adenosine levels will reach a maximum, causing adenosine to start binding to receptor sites to notify the brain to slow down cellular activity. Caffeine and adenosine are both alkaloids (organic compounds composed of many nitrogen atoms) with similar shapes, ring structures and covalent bonds, which allows caffeine to bind to adenosine receptors. Caffeine will occupy all adenosine receptor sites, causing the brain to maintain cellular activity and not induce

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