CHEMISTRY PROJECT
DETERMINATION OF CAFFEINE IN VARIOUS COFFEE
SAMPLES
Submitted By:
Name: ___________________
Class: XII
School: ___________________
INDEX
1. Introduction
2. Aim
3. Materials Required
4. Theory
5. Procedure
6. Safety & Precautions
7. Observations
8. Conclusion
9. Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
Coffee is one of the world’s most consumed beverages. Its primary stimulant,
caffeine, affects the central nervous system and increases alertness. Caffeine
quantity varies between coffee samples. This project studies the caffeine content in
different coffee brands.
AIM
To perform a comparative study on caffeine content in various coffee samples.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
• 50 g each of 5 different coffee samples
• Lead acetate
• Chloroform
• Filter paper
• Beaker, test tubes
• Bunsen burner with tripod stand
• Separating funnel
THEORY
Caffeine (C8H10N4O2), also known as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, is a natural
stimulant found in coffee, tea and cocoa. It stimulates the central nervous system,
reduces fatigue, and increases alertness.
PROCEDURE
1. Add 5 g coffee powder to 15 mL water and heat to boil.
2. Filter and add lead acetate until no more precipitate forms.
3. Filter again and reduce filtrate to 5 mL by heating.
4. Cool and add 2 mL chloroform.
5. Two layers form; residue left is caffeine.
6. Weigh residue and compare samples.
SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS
• Use clean apparatus.
• Handle chloroform and chemicals carefully.
• Avoid direct heating of beaker.
• Use lab coat and follow lab safety rules.
• Record readings accurately.
OBSERVATIONS
Sample A – 7 mg (0.14%)
Sample B – 5 mg (0.10%)
Sample C – 7 mg (0.14%)
Sample D – 6 mg (0.12%)
Sample E – 4 mg (0.08%)
Average caffeine content = 0.11%
CONCLUSION
Samples A and C showed the highest caffeine content (0.14%).
Sample E showed the lowest caffeine content (0.08%).
Average caffeine content across the samples was 0.11%.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
• NCERT Chemistry Class XII
• Internet Reference Sources