Identifying a Molecule - C8H8N4O2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a molecule with the formula C8H8N4O2, which was seen on a tattoo. Participants explore its possible identity, leading to a connection with chocolate and theobromine.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in identifying the molecule C8H8N4O2 after seeing it on a tattoo.
  • Another participant suggests that the molecule is very close to caffeine.
  • A later update claims that the molecule is chocolate, surprising the original poster with the speed of the identification.
  • One participant questions if the molecule refers to theobromine, noting that the structures are slightly different.
  • Another participant provides information about ChemSpider as a resource for searching chemical compounds, mentioning difficulties in finding an exact match for the molecule.
  • One participant confirms that the molecule is referred to as the "chocolate molecule," linking it to a desserts cooking show.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the exact identity of the molecule, with some participants suggesting it is theobromine while others refer to it as chocolate. Multiple views remain regarding its precise identification.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention challenges in searching for the molecule and the potential for misidentification based on structural similarities.

DaveC426913
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Just saw a molecule on TV. It was a tattoo. Want to identify it.


C8H8N4O2

Is there a way of researching it?

Or I guess I can just give up and ask...
 

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Chemistry news on Phys.org
Update: it is extremely close to caffeine.
 
Update update:

It's chocolate.

I am astonished that an hour of searching online never once turned that up. Incredible.

My wife found it in three minutes.
 
Are you referring to theobromine? Because the structures are slightly different (although I imagine they were aiming to have theobromine on the tattoo).
 
Of general interest for future use: ChemSpider is a free chemical database that you can search a number of different ways (structure, formula, common names, and so on).

In particular - I searched for this particular compound (which is, as Ygggdrasil notes, is probably meant to be theobromine) - wasn't able to find an exact match (and the skeleton match was taking forever. Or the window just timed out and didn't update me).
 
Yes. The "chocolate molecule". It was on a desserts cooking show.
 

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