Identifying a Molecule - C8H8N4O2

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SUMMARY

The molecule C8H8N4O2 is identified as theobromine, which is closely related to caffeine and is commonly found in chocolate. The discussion highlights the effectiveness of using ChemSpider, a free chemical database, for researching chemical compounds by structure, formula, and common names. Despite initial difficulties in finding the exact match for theobromine, the community emphasized the importance of utilizing online resources for chemical identification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of molecular formulas and chemical structures
  • Familiarity with chemical databases, specifically ChemSpider
  • Knowledge of the relationship between caffeine and theobromine
  • Experience in online research techniques for scientific inquiries
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the functionalities of ChemSpider for chemical research
  • Study the structural differences between caffeine and theobromine
  • Investigate the biochemical properties and effects of theobromine
  • Learn about other compounds found in chocolate and their health implications
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry enthusiasts, food scientists, and anyone interested in the chemical composition of food, particularly chocolate and its derivatives.

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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