Caffeine Extraction from Tea

In this video, the alkaloid caffeine is extracted from tea. Caffeine is the world's most popular drug. By weight, dry tea leaves are about 3% caffeine. This experiment is performed by extracting the tea into boiling water, and then extracting the caffeine into chloroform. This is then boiled down to get the caffeine.

Black tea can be bought anywhere. The synthesis of chloroform is shown in one of our earlier videos. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r_ZxIGXIUw)

DO NOT consume the caffeine you extract. Chloroform is a toxic, carcinogenic solvent. Minimize your exposure to its fumes and wear gloves. Perform this experiment outdoors or under a fume hood, of course.

For the first time in Reaction Factory history, there are no reactions in this video, only extractions.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• pure
• caffeine
• chloroform
• black
• tea
• boiling
• extraction
• liquid-liquid
• liquid
• CHCl3
• CCl3H
• C8H10N4O2
• powder
• chemistry
• chemicals
• cool
• coffein
• tee
• flüssig-flüssig
• extraktion

[DoktorKlawonn]

A nice procedure!

Will you try to purify the caffeine? Perhaps sublime it?

[ReactionFactory]

@DoktorKlawonn

We have no plan to, because we have no real use for the caffeine anyway.

[DoktorKlawonn]

@ReactionFactory

Oh, it's a pitty then you didn't recover the chloroform

[ReactionFactory]

@DoktorKlawonn

I have more. I was considering trying to save it, but it wasn't worth setting up the distillation apparatus for that much. Also, I'd have to repurify and dry the recovered chloroform before adding it back to the stock.

[tjiddles25]

do you also have suggestions on further extracion for a more pure sample?

[ReactionFactory]

@tjiddles25

I might try recrystallizing it in a nonpolar solvent like chloroform by dissolving it into the chloroform, filtering out any insoluble components, and then boiling off the chloroform or allowing it to evaporate on its own. There would probably be significant mechanical loss, though, and this would, in all likelihood, only be worth it with a larger quantity of caffeine.

[rocketpro22]

But if it's toxic, and you can't use it, then why did you make it? It seems kinda pointless.

[meeatfood2]

Now snort it...

[askar4kill]

Pure caffine is white, u must have done the exp wrong

[MisterNickOtine]

now do nicotine...nah just kidding : )

[jammmon]

and I didnt see any caffeine. You should purify it man.

Put that powder into a glass with a 100 ml water and 10 gr of sodium carbonate. Shake.

The caffeine base should precipitate out of the water, filter or freeze.

Dry it, and wash it with more water, it won't dissolve.

Then smoke it and blow your heart up

[jammmon]

@ReactionFactory

better extract cocaine from coca leaf then

[Aazerel]

Where are you, like on a boat or something?

[MrTechGuy1995]

Ethyl acetate? That is a reasonable substitute for what you are using know.

[Dudethatstrippin]

why take the caffeine out if you have no intent to consume it???

[yellowmetalcyborg]

You could sublime it, NurdRage style!