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. (www.youtube.com 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.