CAFFEINE (theine; methyltheobromine; 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) C8H10N4O2  · HOH CAS: 58-08-2. Properties:  White, fleecy masses or long, flexible, silky crystals; an alkaloid; loses water at 80C.  Efflorescent in air.  Mp 236.8C, soluble in chloroform, slightly soluble in water and alcohol, very slightly soluble in water and alcohol, very slightly soluble in ether.  Odorless, bitter taste, solution neutral to litmus. Derivation:  By extraction of coffee beans, te leaves, or kola nuts; also synthetically.  Much of the caffeine of commerce is a by-product of decafeinized coffee manufacture.   Method of purification: recrystallization. Grade:  Technical, USP, FCC Hazard:  One grain or more is toxic, 200 micrograms per mL has been found to inhibit activity of the enzyme DNA polymerase.  Use in soft drinks not to exceed 0.02%. Use Beverages, medicine.