What Is Xanthine?
Xanthine, an organic compound with the chemical formula C5H4N4O2, is a colorless or white solid found in body fluids, tissues, urine, blood, coffee beans, and tea. It is produced in the body from a purine base and metabolized to urea by xanthine oxidase.
Uses of Xanthine
Xanthine is explored as a marker of tissue hypoxia. It increases in concentration due to ischemic injury, indicating potential oxygen deprivation in tissues. Derivatives like theobromine and caffeine are used in pharmaceuticals for their stimulant properties.
Properties of Xanthine
Xanthine sublimates partially when heated, decomposes above 300°C, and is insoluble in water and ethanol. It dissolves in mineral acids, aqueous ammonia, and aqueous sodium hydroxide, and is converted to uric acid by oxidase. It exists in multiple tautomeric forms.
Other Information on Xanthine
1. Xanthine Synthesis
Xanthine is synthesized chemically from guanine with sulfuric acid and sodium nitrite and naturally produced in vivo from adenine and hypoxanthine.
2. Characteristics of Xanthine Derivatives
Xanthine derivatives, or xanthines, include caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and paraxanthine. Caffeine, for instance, is 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, known for its psychostimulant effect.
3. Derivatives of Xanthine as Drugs
Xanthine alkaloids are used as mild stimulants and bronchodilators. However, due to their narrow therapeutic range, they are often not the first choice for long-term asthma control. Toxicity symptoms include tremors, irritability, nausea, tachycardia, and arrhythmia.