Theobromine (C
7H
8N
4O
2, or 3,7-dimethylxanthine, or 3,7-Dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione) is an
alkaloid of the methylxanthine family, which also includes the similar compounds
theophylline and
caffeine. It is known to induce
mutations in
bacteria and lower
eukaryotes, but doesn't seem to cause mutations is higher eukaryotes.
Theobromine is found in cocoa and chocolate, in doses that are safe for humans to consume in large quantities, but can be lethal for animals such as dogs and horses, as they metabolize theobromine more slowly.
- CAS No.: 83-67-0
- Alternate names : Riddospas, Riddovydrin, Santheose, Seominal, Theobrominum, Theoguardenal, Theominal and Théoxalvose.
