C8H10N2O

C8H10N2O is the molecular formula for several chemical compounds, with the most common being caffeine. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the leaves and seeds of over 60 plant species worldwide, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao beans, and kola nuts. In its pure form, caffeine is a white crystalline solid that is bitter and odorless. It is classified as an alkaloid and acts as a central nervous system stimulant, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue.

Beyond caffeine, other isomers with the molecular formula C8H10N2O exist, though they are less commonly encountered in everyday life. These include various substituted pyrazines and imidazoles. The specific arrangement of atoms in these isomers leads to different physical and chemical properties compared to caffeine. The study of these isomers is important in organic chemistry for understanding structure-property relationships and for the synthesis of novel compounds. The biological activity and potential applications of these other isomers are subjects of ongoing research.