Morning coffee

Molecules in this world 7

• CaffeineC8H10N4O2

  In this everyday world from source

  The molecule behind coffee's lift: it keeps you feeling alert by getting in the way of your brain's own sleepiness signal.

  As a pure substance: LD50 192 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• Chlorogenic acidC16H18O9

  In this everyday world from source

  A big part of coffee's tang and brown color, and one of the most abundant antioxidants in a typical cup.

  As a pure substance, its GHS hazard label: signal word Warning; Irritant from source

• TheobromineC7H8N4O2

  In this everyday world from source

  Chocolate's gentle stimulant, a milder cousin of caffeine that gives cocoa its lingering lift and faint bitterness.

  As a pure substance: LD50 300 mg/kg (dog, oral) from source

• Nicotinic acidC6H5NO2

  In this everyday world from source

  Vitamin B3, which your cells use to turn food into usable energy; roasting even creates a little of it in coffee.

  As a pure substance: LD50 7,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• ParaxanthineC7H8N4O2

  In this everyday world from source

  The main thing caffeine turns into inside you, and much of what actually keeps you feeling awake after a cup.

  As a pure substance, its GHS hazard label: signal word Warning; Irritant from source

• AdenosineC10H13N5O4

  In this everyday world from source

  The 'time to rest' signal that slowly builds up while you are awake; caffeine works by blocking it.

  As a pure substance: LD50 500 mg/kg (mouse, other) from source

• TheophyllineC7H8N4O2

  In this everyday world from source

  A close relative of caffeine that turns up in tea, and a mild stimulant of its own.

  As a pure substance: LD50 332 mg/kg (mouse, oral) from source