BATCH SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF CAFFEINE

FROM MCBC2

DINESH VARMA A/L NEDUNJELIYAN

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG

 SUPERVISOR’S DECLARATION

I hereby declare that I have read this thesis and in my opinion this thesis is

sufficient in terms of scope and quality for the award of the degree of Bachelor of

Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology)”

Signature : ....................................................

Name of Supervisor : Dr. Ir. Said Nurdin

Date : ....................................................
BATCH SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF CAFFEINE
FROM MCBC2

DINESH VARMA A/L NEDUNJELIYAN

A thesis submitted in fulfillment

of the requirements for the award of the Degree of
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology)

Faculty of Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering

University Malaysia Pahang

September 2010
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I declare that this thesis entitled “Batch Solvent Extraction of Caffeine from

MCBC2” is the result of my own research except as cited in references. The thesis

has not been accepted for any degree and is not concurrently submitted in

candidature of any other degree.”

Signature :………………………………

Name : Dinesh Varma A/L Nedunjeliyan

Date :
 iii

Dedicated to my beloved family

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All praise to God who has guide me all the way and give me good health and
strength to finish this final year research project.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thankfulness to my

supervisor, Dr. Ir. Said Nurdin for his full support, effort, and concern during the
course of this research. He has guided me along the research progression, especially
on laboratory works.

My gratitude goes to the Dean of Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering,

Assc. Prof. Zulkafli Hassan, for his professional management and administration. Not
to be forgotten, my gratitude also goes to all the lecturers in the faculty who provided
information related to my research. I also would like to express my deepest gratitude
to the technical staffs in Chemical & Natural Resources Engineering laboratory, for
their contributions in term of chemicals, apparatus, equipments, time, experience, and
advices. My appreciation also goes to the Cocoa Research & Development Centre
Jengka of Malaysian Cocoa Board for the cocoa sample provided and good
collaboration.

I would like to express my gratitude to my parent for their full support and
motivating words. My heartful appreciation goes to my special friend Malini, from
Universiti Industri Selangor who helped me a lot and gave me moral support along
the period of this research. Special thanks go to my friend Kalaivaanan for his kind,
patience, support, encouragement, and sacrifices that given during the period of this
research. The friendship we have shared together is highly appreciated.
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ABSTRACT

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in cocoa seeds. The aim of

this research is to extract caffeine from Malaysian Cocoa Board Clone (MCBC) 2,
and to investigate the effect of sample particle size, solvent/feed ratio, and extraction
time on the yield of caffeine. The sample was prepared by grinding and sieving,
followed by solid-liquid extraction using water by heat reflux extracting technique,
liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, drying of caffeine by rotary evaporator,
and finally analysis of the caffeine yield. The analysis of the caffeine yield was done
using UV/Vis Spectrophotometric method. The caffeine yield was highest at sample
particle size of 400µm (0.35 % w/w caffeine or 3.4956 mg/g cocoa), solvent/feed
ratio of 1:1 (0.35 % w/w caffeine or 3.5066 mg/g cocoa), and extraction time of 90
minutes (0.34 % w/w caffeine or 3.4356 mg/g cocoa). The best conditions for the
highest yield of caffeine from MCBC2 were 400µm of sample particle size, 1:1 of
solvent/feed ratio, and 90 minutes of extraction time.
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ABSTRAK

Kafein adalah sebuah zat yang dijumpai secara semulajadi dalam biji koko.
Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengekstrak kafein dari Klon Lembaga Koko
Malaysia (MCBC) 2, dan untuk mengkaji pengaruh saiz zarah koko, nisbah
pelarut/sampel, dan masa ekstraksi terhadap hasil kafein. Persiapan sampel dilakukan
dengan mengisar dan menapis, diikuti oleh ekstraksi pepejal-cair menggunakan air
panas dengan teknik ekstraksi refluks, diikuti ekstraksi cair-cair dengan pelarut etil
asetat, pengeringan kafein dengan rotary evaporator, dan akhirnya analisis hasil
kafein. Analisis hasil kafein dilakukan dengan menggunakan kaedah
spektrofotometri UV/Vis. Hasil kafein yang tertinggi diperolehi pada saiz zarah
sampel 400μm (0.35 % w/w kafein atau 3.4956 mg/g koko), nisbah pelarut/sampel
1:1 (0.35 % w/w kafein atau 3.5066 mg/g koko), dan masa ekstraksi 90 minit (0.34
% w/w kafein atau 3.4356 mg/g koko). Keadaan terbaik untuk mendapatkan hasil
tertinggi kafein dari MCBC2 adalah pada saiz zarah sampel 400μm, nisbah
pelarut/sampel 1:1, dan masa ekstraksi 90 minit.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE i

DECLARATION ii

DEDICATION iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iv

ABSTRACT v

ABSTRAK vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

LIST OF TABLES ix

LIST OF FIGURES x

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xi

LIST OF APPENDICES xii

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 5

2.1 Cocoa 5
2.1.1 Scientific Classification of Cocoa 6
2.1.2 Characteristics of Cocoa Tree 7
2.1.3 Types of Cocoa 7

2.2 Caffeine 8
2.2.1 Properties 8
2.2.2 Applications 9
2.2.3 Disadvantages 10

2.3 Extraction of Caffeine 11

2.3.1 Types of Solvent 12
2.3.2 Methods of Extraction of Caffeine 13
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CHAPTER 3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 16

3.1 Materials 16
3.2 Flowchart 16
3.3 Methods 17
3.3.1 Preparation of Sample 17
3.3.2 Preparation of Solutions 17
3.3.3 Solid-Liquid Extraction of Caffeine 18
3.3.4 Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Caffeine 18
3.3.5 Separation of Caffeine 19
3.3.6 Analysis of Caffeine 19

CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 20

4.1 Standard Curve of Caffeine 20

4.2 The Effect of MCBC2 Particle Size on the Caffeine Yield 21
4.3 The Effect of Solvent/Feed Ratio on the Caffeine Yield 23
4.4 The Effect of Extraction Time on the Caffeine Yield 25

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 28

REFERENCES 30

APPENDICES 33
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LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1.1 Chemical composition of cocoa beans 3

C.1 Absorbance for standard concentrations of caffeine 38

C.2 Percentage of caffeine yield for different MCBC2 particle sizes 38

C.3 Percentage of caffeine yield for different solvent/feed ratio 39

C.4 Percentage of caffeine yield for different extraction time 39

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

1.1 The structure of caffeine 2

1.2 Heat reflux extractor 4

4.1 Standard curve of caffeine 20

4.2 Percentage of caffeine yield for various MCBC2 particle size 22

4.3 Percentage of caffeine yield for various solvent/feed ratio 24

4.4 Percentage of caffeine yield for various extraction time 26

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LIST OF ABBREVATIONS

HPLC High Performance Liquid Chromatography

HPTLC High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography

MCBC2 Malaysian Cocoa Board Clone 2

SPE Solid Phase Extraction

UV Ultraviolet

UV/Vis Ultraviolet/Visible
 xii

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix Page

A The Picture of MCBC2 Tree 33

B Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of Ethyl Acetate 34

C Result Data 38
 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Since a decade ago, Malaysia was recognized as the largest cocoa producer, and
Malaysia is ranked 11th in the list of cocoa cultivating countries, worldwide
(Anonym., 2005). Commonly, the alkaloid contents (caffeine, theobromine, and
theophylline) in cocoa are extracted before the cocoa is processed, and the alkaloids,
especially caffeine are discarded without use. Actually, according to some research,
caffeine has its own benefits, for example it is used for pharmaceutical and
therapeutic purposes. Malaysia as a large producer of cocoa, can extract the caffeine
in the cocoa, and process the caffeine for benefits, without discarding it. Therefore,
an efficient and economic method of extraction of caffeine from cocoa is needed to
get a high yield of caffeine. Moreover, an effective and low cost solvent is also
needed for better extraction of caffeine. This will increase the profit from the sales of
caffeine.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruits

of more than 63 plants species worldwide. The most common sources of caffeine are
coffee, cocoa beans, cola nuts, tea leaves, yerba mate, guarana berries, and the
Yaupon Holly. Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance and
can be a mild central nervous system stimulant. It does not accumulate in the body
over a period of time and is normally excreted within several hours of consumption
(Barone and Roberts, 1996).
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Caffeine is an alkaloid of the methylxanthine family, thus it is known as

1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. Caffeine is an intensely bitter white powder in its pure state.
Its IUPAC name is 1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione, with chemical

formula C8H10N4O2 (Arnaud, 1987). The structure of caffeine is shown in Figure 1.1,
below (Mumin et al., 2006).

Figure 1.1: The structure of caffeine

Cocoa tree is an evergreen tree in the family Sterculiaceae, genus

Theobroma, and species cacao, which flourish well in a narrow belt of 10 o of either
sides of the Equator. Climatically, Malaysia is very suitable for cocoa growing, since
cocoa tree grow well in humid tropical climates with regular rains and a short dry
season. There are three broad types of cocoa; Forastero, Crillo, and Trinitario which
is a hybrid of Forastero and Crillo (Anonym., 2010). Cocoa is an important
flavouring ingredient in preparation of beverages, confectionary, ice-cream, bakery
products, etc. The stimulant action of cocoa based products is due to the presence of
alkaloids, theobromine, and caffeine in them. Theobromine accounts for about 90%
of the total composition of cocoa, while the remaining is caffeine (Franzke et al.,
1969).
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One analysis of the chemical composition of cocoa beans after fermentation and
drying is shown in Table 1.1, below:

Table 1.1: Chemical composition of cocoa beans (Minifie, 1989)

Contents Nib % Maximum Shell % Maximum

Water 3.2 6.6

Fat (cocoa butter, shell fat) 57 5.9

Ash 4.2 20.7

Total nitrogen 2.5 3.2

Theobromine 1.3 0.9

Caffeine 0.7 0.3

Starch 9 5.2

Crude fibre 3.2 19.2

This indication of the chemical composition of cocoa beans can vary depending on
the type of bean, the quality of the fermentation and drying, and the subsequent
processing of the bean.

Caffeine can be extracted from cocoa by various methods, such as water

extraction, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, and organic solvent extraction.
Solvents such as chloroform, methyl chloride, ethanol, and ethyl acetate are
commonly used for the solvent extraction of caffeine (Anonym., 2010). Several
methods can be used for this extraction purpose, for example Soxhlet extraction,
Ultrasonic extraction, and Heat Reflux extraction. The Heat Reflux extraction is one
of the common methods used to extract caffeine from cocoa seed on a laboratory
scale.
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The heat reflux extractor is shown in Figure 1.2, below (Anonym., 2010).

Figure 1.2: Heat reflux extractor

Malaysian Cocoa Board Clone 2 (MCBC2) cocoa is a new local breed of

cocoa, which was cloned by the Malaysian Cocoa Board. This breed is planted in
Jengka, Pahang. The picture of this MCBC2 tree is shown in Appendix A. Cocoa tree
is subject to attack by a large number of pests and diseases, where the most important
group of pests are the capsids, and the most universal cocoa disease is caused by the
fungus Phytophthora palmivora (Anonym., 2010). The MCBC2 cocoa breed is
modified so that it could stand the attacks by these kinds of pests and diseases. Since
this breed is a new breed growing in Jengka, Pahang, the composition of caffeine in
this cocoa seeds is yet to be analyzed. Therefore, this research may benefit the
Malaysian Cocoa Board in analyzing their new breed.
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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Cocoa

Cocoa was domesticated by the Mayas and Aztecs thousands of years ago. Cocoa has
travelled along the trade routes used by the Mayas, Aztecs, and also the Pipil-
Nicaraoseven before the Spanish conquest (Sophie and Michael, 1996). In the year
1525, Criollo types of cocoa have spreaded to Central America, and to a large
number of Caribbean islands, including Trinidad, and Jamaica. Then, cocoa was
introduced into Central America, particularly Costa Rica, by the Spanish people.
Around the year 1750, the French people planted cocoa in Martinique and Haiti, and
the Portuguese people planted cocoa in Belem and Bahia, using Lower Amazon
(Forastero) type of cocoa.

In the 18th Century, between Criollo and Forastero types of cocoa was
hybridized and Trinitario types of cocoa was founded (Pittier, 1933). According to
Pound (1945), the two populations could have met and hybridised on the islands of
the Orinoco delta, including Trinidad and the Orinoco valley. Cheesman (1944)
reported that, in the year 1727, the „Blast”, which is a cyclone or an epidemic has
destroyed the Criollo plantations in Trinidad. Then, the cocoa plantations were
reconstituted using Trinitario seeds from the Orinoco valley. This Trinitario hybrid
of cocoa was produced by open pollination. Their superiority in agronomic terms and
better resistance to diseases and pests has favoured their use in Trinidad as a
replacement for Criollo types of cocoa.
 6

Young (1994) stated that, in the 16th century, cocoa was introduced into Asia
and the Pacific. In 1560, the Dutch introduced the Venezuelan Criollo trees into Java,
Indonesia. Meanwhile, in the year 1614, the Spanish introduced Criollo types of
cocoa into the Philippines from Mexico. Cocoa was taken by the British to Madras,
India from the island of Amboina in the year 1798, and it was introduced into Sri
Lanka from Trinidad at about the same time. From Sri Lanka, cocoa was transferred
to Singapore and Fiji in year 1880, Samoa in year 1883, Queensland in year 1886,
and Bombay in year 1887.

In Malaysia, the first cocoa was planted in Malacca in the year 1778.
Subsequently, the cocoa planting was started in area at Serdang Agriculture Station
and Silam Agriculture Research Center, Sabah. The earliest cocoa commercialization
was started between the years 1853 to 1959 where Amelonado cocoa types were first
planted at Jerangau, Terengganu. The planted area was about 403 hectarages. Cocoa
trial was further undertaken at Serdang, Cheras, Kuala Lipis and Temerloh between
the years 1936 to 1940. However, cocoa was only actively planted after the World
War II, whereby cocoa officially came to Quoin Hill, Tawau, Sabah in the year 1960.
From then on, cocoa has become an important commodity in Malaysian economy.

2.1.1 Scientific Classification of Cocoa

Cocoa tree is originated from the Kingdom Plantae, Subkingdom Tracheobionta,

Division Magnoliophyta, Class Magnoliopsida, Subclass Dilleniidae, Order
Malvales, Family Sterculiaceae, Genus Theobroma L., and Species Theobroma
cacao L. (Anonym., 2010).
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2.1.2 Characteristics of Cocoa Tree

The cocoa tree is a tropical plant that grows in hot, rainy climates. The cultivation of
cocoa is concentrated on a narrow band of no more than 20 degrees north or south of
the Equator. Cocoa trees need rainfall between 1,150 and 2,500 millimeters per year
without hot dry winds and drought, and an even temperature between 21°C and 32°C
for ideal growth (Anonym., 2010).

The cocoa tree is usually a small tree of 4 to 8 meters tall. Its stem is straight,
the wood is light and white, and the bark is thin, and brownish in colour. The
leavesof the cocoa tree are alternate, entire, unlobed, 10 to 40 centimeters long, and 5
to 20 centimeters broad. The leaves are poisonous and inedible as they are filled with
a creamy and milky liquid, which tastes spicy and unpleasant.Cocoa trees begin to
bear fruit when they are 3 to 4 years old.The cocoa fruit (pods) can reach up to 15 to
25 centimeters in length, 8 to 10 centimeters in wide, and weighs about 500 grams
when ripe. Each pod contains about 20 to 40 seeds, which are known as cocoa beans
after drying and fermentation. The seeds are in reddish-brown colour externally and
are covered by a white, sweet pulp. Each cocoa tree will yield 20 to 30 pods per year
and the peak times for harvesting are around the months April and September in
Malaysia (Anonym., 2010).

2.1.3 Types of Cocoa

There are three broad types of cocoa Forastero and Crillo plus Trinitario which is a
hybrid of Forastero and Crillo. Within these types are several varieties, Forastero,
which now forms the greater part of all cocoa grown, is hardy and vigorous
producing beans with the strongest flavour. Amelonado is the Forastero variety most
widely grown in West Africa and Brazil. It has a smooth yellow pod with 30 or more
pale to deep purple beans (Anonym., 2010).
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Crillo with its mild or weak chocolate flavour is grown in Indonesia, Central
and South America. Crillo trees are not as hardy and they produce softer pods which
are red in colour, containing 20-30 white, ivory or very pale purple beans. Trinitario
plants are not found in the wild as they are cultivated hybrids of the other two types.
Trinitario cocoa trees are grown mainly in the Caribbean area but also in Cameroon
and Papua New Guinea. The mostly hard pods are variable in colour and they contain
30 or more beans of variable colour but white beans are rare (Anonym., 2010).

2.2 Caffeine

2.2.1 Properties

Pure caffeine occurs as odourless, white, fleecy masses, glistening needles of

powder. Its molecular weight is 194.19 g/gmol, melting point is 236 oC, point at
which caffeine sublimes is 178 oC, at atmospheric pressure, pH is 6.9 (1% solution),
specific gravity is 1.2, volatility is 0.5 %, vapour pressure is 760 mm Hg at 178 oC,
solubility in water is 2.17 g per 100 mL water at 25 oC, and vapour density is 6.7
(Clementz and Dailey, 1988).

The pure caffeine was first isolated by a German chemist Friedrich Ferdinand
Runge in year 1819 (Weinberg and Bealer, 2001). The nitrogen atoms in the structure

of caffeine are all planar (in sp2 orbital hybridization), resulting in the aromatic
characteristics of caffeine. Caffeine is a readily available by-product of
decaffeination, and it is not usually synthesized (Anonym., 2001). But if desired,
caffeine can be synthesized from dimethylurea and malonic acid (Wilson and
Norman, 2004).
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2.2.2 Applications

Caffeine is the world‟s most widely consumed psychoactive substance, by which the
global consumption of caffeine has been estimated at 120,000 tonnes per year
(Anonym., 1997). Caffeine can be a mild central nervous system stimulant,
depending on its dose. Caffeine does not accumulate in the body over the course of
time and is normally excreted within several hours of consumption. Caffeine is a
central nervous system and metabolic stimulant (Nehlig et al., 1992), and it is used
both recreationally and medically to reduce physical fatigue and restore mental
alertness when unusual weakness or drowsiness occurs. Caffeine and other
methylxanthine derivatives are also used on newborns to treat apnea (suspension of
external breathing) and treat irregular heartbeats. Caffeine also stimulates the central
nervous system first at the higher levels, resulting in increased alertness and
wakefulness, faster and clearer flow of thought, increased focus, and better general
body coordination, and later at the spinal cord level at higher doses (Bolton and Null,
1981).

According to Leo (1992), caffeine which is found in cocoa, tea, and coffee
imparts bitterness and also acts as a flavour constituent. It is a mild nervous stimulant
towards drowsiness and fatigue, thus it is used by athletes to enhance performance
since it mobilizes fats from stores a process that normally does not become maximal
until intense activity is underway (Eva, 1988). Caffeine is used as a drug on the basis
of its effect on the respiratory, cardiovascular and the central nervous system.
Caffeine is included with aspirin in some preparations for treatment of headaches as
it decreases cerebral eye blood flow. Caffeine is also included with ergotamine in
some antimigraine preparations, in order to produce a mildly agreeable sense of
alertness (Lawrence, 1986).
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According to Jeanne (1987), caffeine is administered in the treatment of mild

respiratory depression which caused by central nervous system depressants such as
narcotic. Caffeine is also used in the treatment of acute circulatory failure. It is also
used to relieve fatigue in either beverage or in non-prescription tablet form, since it
increases the amount of urine flow. There are about 2000 non-prescription and about
1000 prescription drugs containing caffeine (Jeanne, 1987).

2.2.3 Disadvantages

Consumption of caffeine in large amounts, and especially over extended periods of

time, can lead to a condition known as caffeinism (Mackay and Rollins, 1989).
Caffeinism usually combines caffeine dependency with a wide range of unpleasant
physical and mental conditions including nervousness, irritability, anxiety,
tremulousness, muscle twitching (hyperreflexia), insomnia, headaches, respiratory
alkalosis, and heart palpitations (Leson et al., 1988). It also increases the production
of stomach acid, thus high usage over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive
esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (Anonym., 2009). Caffeine also
stimulates the stomach to pour out large amounts of acid. This in turn leads to
burning in the pits of the stomach and aggravates peptic ulcers of the stomach and
duodenum. It also may induce benign (non cancerous) breast diseases and may
worsen premenstrual symptoms in women who overuse it. Caffeine crosses the
placenta and enters the fetal circulation and its use at a pharmacological level has
been associated with low birth weight. Excessive consumption during lactation may
cause irritability and wakefulness in a breast- fed baby (Eva, 1988).
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2.3 Extraction of Caffeine

Decaffeination is a popular term in present modern world to optimize the caffeine

contents in various sources. This is simply use of a solvent, which extract caffeine.
For this purpose, the currently available solvents are chloroform, methyl chloride,
ethyl acetate, super critical carbon dioxide etc.

The industrial decaffeination process has evolved over the years. Initially,

direct contact methods used chloroform (CHCl3), and more recently methylene

chloride (CH2Cl2), as the solvent to repeatedly rinse the green (unroasted) cocoa
beans that had been softened by steam. Once sufficient caffeine had been removed,
the beans would be roasted. Since these organic solvents have a high vapour pressure
and low boiling point, any solvent remaining in the beans is removed during roasting.
This method has several brown characteristics. Both of these solvents are
carcinogenic and have several human health concerns with methylene chloride
having the lesser overall hazard. Chlorinated hydrocarbon waste has significant
environmental impacts and is costly to dispose. Roasting also does not guarantee full
removal of the solvent, although solvent levels are rarely detectable. Although these
solvents have its disadvantages, they are still used because they are not water-soluble,
have a low boiling point, and remove caffeine without removing significant amounts
of other compounds, leaving the majority of the flavour unaltered (Kirmer, 1988).

Recently the direct contact process has been greened significantly using
supercritical CO2. The green cocoa beans are steam softened with water and then
supercritical CO2 is used to extract the caffeine. Once the system is returned to room
temperature and pressure the cocoa beans and separated caffeine are now solvent free
as CO2 returns to the gas phase. Then the CO2 can be captured and reused. This
method has all the advantages of the above technique without the environmental and
human health risks (Murray, 1995).
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Indirect contact methods have also been developed to decaffeinate cocoa. The
green cocoa beans are soaked (steeped) in almost boiling water until the caffeine is
removed from the bean. The cocoa solution is then treated with ethyl acetate (a
natural ester) which has moderate human health hazards but is not carcinogenic.
Ethyl acetate solvates caffeine more effectively than water and extracts the caffeine.
The remaining ethyl acetate is removed from the cocoa solution by steaming. The
cocoa solution is then combined with the beans which reabsorb the cocoa oils as they
are dried. 2-Propanol is also used as extraction solvent rather than ethyl acetate as it
is less hazardous to human health (Hampp, 1996).

2.3.1 Types of Solvent

The isolation of caffeine from cocoa is known as decaffeination, which is done by

using a solvent that extract the caffeine. For this purpose, the common solvents used
are chloroform, methyl chloride, ethyl acetate, super critical carbon dioxide, etc.
Methylene chloride is also used to extract caffeine from cocoa, and it is highly
effective, but methylene chloride is potentially dangerous under certain
circumstances. It can cause faintness, dizziness, and headache if inhaled at high
concentrations (Kirmer, 1988). Ethyl acetate is another compound used to extract
caffeine from cocoa. It removes caffeine from cocoa effectively, and it extracts other
chemical components from the cocoa as well. Ethyl acetate is much less hazardous to
health and environment compared to chlorinated solvents (Johnson et al., 1988).
Water, although an excellent solvent of methylxanthines, but it is highly non-
selective and its use may result in the removal of other valuable components from the
extracted product, which gradually leads to deterioration of the analytical column
(Saldana et al., 2002).
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2.3.2 Methods of Extraction of Caffeine

In a research done by Hu et al. (1997), caffeine was extracted from tea using ethanol
o
solvent, by heat reflux extraction. A 50% ethanol in water was refluxed at 85 C, for
45 minutes. The extract was then filtered through a filter paper, and the filtered
solution was centrifuged for 10 minutes, at a speed of 4000rpm. The supernatant was
then analyzed to determine the caffeine composition.

Hu et al. (1997) has also done a research of extracting caffeine from tea using
ultrasonic extraction method. 50% ethanol in water was used as solvent to extract the
caffeine from tea, and the solution was sonicated for 90 minutes in an ultrasonic bath

(frequency 50Hz, power 250W) at 20-40oC. Then the extract was filtered, and the
filtered solution was centrifuged for 10 minutes, at a speed of 4000rpm. The
supernatant collected was the analyzed to know the caffeine composition.

Ramli et al. (2000) has analyzed the total polyphenols, epicatechin, catechin,
theobromine and caffeine contents in Commercial cocoa and chocolate products such
as cocoa powder, cocoa beans, cocoa liquor and chocolate using High Performance
Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The methylxanthines were identified and
quantified using Bondapak column and mobile phase of methanol:water:acetic acid at
ratio 20:79:1. 32 samples of chocolate products were analyzed, and the levels of
caffein and theobromine were 0.62-1.14 mg/g and 0.026-0.153 mg/g, respectively.
The chocolate coating made from fat substitute had theobromine and caffeine levels
ranged from 0.36-0.70 mg/g and 0.027-0.061 mg/g, respectively. The mean
theobromine and caffeine levels in local chocolates respectively were 0.72 mg/g and
0.04mg/g in milk chocolate, and 0.85 mg/g and 0.06 mg/g in dark chocolate. In
imported chocolates, the mean theobromine and caffeine levels respectively were
1.05 mg/g and 0.12 mg/g in dark chocolate, 0.76 mg/g and 0.04 mg/g in milk
chocolate, and 0.74 mg/g and 0.03 mg/g in white chocolate. The imported chocolates
have higher level of theobromine and caffeine compared with the local chocolates.
 14

Mumin et al. (2006) has done a research on determination and

characterization of caffeine in tea, coffee, and soft drinks by Solid Phase Extraction
(SPE) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Caffeine which is a
mild addicting drug was isolated, purified and characterized from tea (black and
green) and coffee. The isolation of caffeine was done by liquid-liquid extraction
using chloroform as the extracting solvent. Four steps of extraction were carried out
such as leaching, dye removal, liquid extraction and recrystallization. Toluene and
petroleum ether were the solvent used for recrystallization. The crude caffeine was
purified by SPE method. For the characterization of pure caffeine by HPLC, 50mM

KH2PO4 (pH=2), acetonitrile, and methanol at ratio 40:8:2 was used as solvent as
well as mobile phase at ratio. The amount of caffeine in various soft drinks (Cola)
that commercially available in Bangladesh were also determined by HPLC method.

Abourashed and Mossa (2004) have done HPTLC determination of caffeine

in stimulant herbal products and power drinks. They analyzed the caffeine content in
selected herbal products and energy drinks available in the Saudi market by HPTLC–
UV densitometric. Pre-coated HPTLC silica gel plates (20 cm × 10 cm), and a
solvent system consisted of ethyl acetate–methanol (85:15, v/v), and caffeine were
used for the analysis, at 275 nm. The levels of caffeine in the herbal products and the
energy drinks were 4.76–13.29% (w/w) and 0.011–0.032% (w/v), respectively.

Li et al. (1989) have developed a method for the determination of

theobromine and caffeine in cocoa beans using UV spectrophotometer. They have
presented a rapid, simple and accurate method for individually determining
theobromine and caffeine in cocoa beans. Caffeine alone was completely extracted
into chloroform from an aqueous solution at a pH between 12.5 and 12.7, and
analyzed by UV spectrophotometer at 275.9nm. For the remaining theobromine in
the aqueous solution, a wavelength of 272.7nm was used. A result with relative
standard deviation of about 0.65% was obtained.
 15

In a study done by Wanyika et al. (2010), the levels of caffeine in certain

coffee (nescafe, africafe, dormans) and tea (chai mara moja, kericho gold, sasini,
finlays premium) brands were determined using high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) and UV/Vis Spectrophotometric methods. The levels of
caffeine in all the tea and coffee brands were found to be within the documented
range. Generally, higher concentration of caffeine in all the samples were realized
with the UV/Vis Spectrophotometric method compared to HPLC method. This
indicates that acidified water was a better caffeine extractor than pure water. The
results showed that the levels of caffeine obtained by UV/Vis Spectrophotometric
method were much higher than those obtained by HPLC method. This shows that
acidified water is a more efficient extractor of caffeine.
 16

CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Materials

The MCBC2 cocoa seeds were bought from Malaysian Cocoa Board research station
in Jengka, Pahang. Three parameters were set up to investigate its effect on the
caffeine yield. The equipments and apparatus used in this research were beaker,
heater, vacuum filter, separatory funnel, pH meter, rotary evaporator, electronic
balance, oven, heat reflux extractor, Buchner funnel, exicator, and siever. The
chemicals and reagents used in this research were distilled water, 10% lead ethanoate
solution, ethyl acetate, solid sodium hydrogen carbonate, 1M sodium hydroxide
solution, and anhydrous sodium sulphate.

3.2 Flowchart
 17

3.3 Methods

3.3.1 Preparation of Sample

50 grams of the MCBC2 cocoa seeds were weighed and dried in incubator at 60oC
for 2 hours, to remove the moisture in the seeds. Then, the seeds were blended to get
powdered sample. Next, the powdered sample was sieved into 5 different particle
sizes, which are 1000, 800, 630, 500, and 400 µm.

3.3.2 Preparation of Solutions

10% (w/v) lead acetate solution was prepared by adding 10 grams of anhydrous lead
acetate into 100 mL of distilled water. 1M sodium hydroxide solution was prepared
by adding 4 grams of anhydrous sodium hydroxide into 100 mL of distilled water.
 18
3.3.3 Solid-Liquid Extraction of Caffeine

5 grams of the prepared powdered sample of MCBC2 cocoa seeds were put in a 500
mL beaker and subsequently 250 mL of distilled water was added into the beaker.
o
The mixture was boiled in a heat reflux extractor at 70 C for 5 different extraction
time (15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes). Then, the mixture was filtered using Buchner
funnel. The filtrate was collected and 25 mL of 10% (w/v) lead acetate solution was
added to the filtrate.

The purpose of adding 10% (w/v) lead acetate solution is to convert tannins
and other acids into anions (base) that will not be soluble in water and ethyl acetate.
This also helps to avoid an emulsion. The solution was boiled for 5 minutes. The lead
acetate formed a precipitate, and this precipitate was removed by filtering it in
vacuum filter. Next, 1 gram of anhydrous sodium hydrogen carbonate was added to
the filtrate. The purpose of adding anhydrous sodium hydrogen carbonate is to clear

the filtrate by removing the Pb2+ ions in the solution, in a form of white precipitate of

PbCO3. Then, the solution was filtered again repeatedly using vacuum filter, until a
clear solution is obtained.

3.3.4 Liquid-Liquid Extraction of Caffeine

The clear solution obtained was transferred into a 500 mL separatory funnel. The pH
of the solution was measured using pH meter. If the pH of the solution is not between
12.5 and 12.7, about 5.5 mL of 1M sodium hydroxide solution was added until the
pH of the solution regulate between 12.5 and 12.7. The purpose of the addition of
sodium hydroxide is to maintain the basicity of the solution, so that tannins and other
acids do not soluble in water and ethyl acetate. Basic condition also increases the
water polarity and the caffeine in least polar form will be more readily solvated in
ethyl acetate than in water. Then, the caffeine in the solution was extracted with 5
different solvent/feed ratios (1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, and 1:1). The mixture was shaken
uniformly while the stopcock is opened to expel vapours. The layers were allowed to
separate and the lower layer (ethyl acetate) was collected into a 100ml beaker.
 19

Ethyl acetate is a highly flammable liquid that is moderately hazardous.

Therefore, the Material Safety Data Sheet of ethyl acetate is referred when dealing
with this chemical during the research. The Material Safety Data Sheet of ethyl
acetate is shown in Appendix B.

3.3.5 Separation of Caffeine

Anhydrous sodium sulphate was then added into the collected solution that
containing caffeine. The anhydrous sodium sulphate would act to remove any water
and water-soluble salts that were retained in the ethyl acetate or accidentally
transferred during decantation of solution. The ethyl acetate appeared a bit cloudy,
because the anhydrous sodium sulphate clumped when water present. The anhydrous
sodium sulphate was added and shaken gently until no more clumping is observed.
Then, the ethyl acetate solvent in the caffeine containing solution was evaporated
using rotary evaporator, and the temperature of the water bath was controlled low
o o
enough between 75 C and 80 C, to avoid caffeine decomposition. After 1 hour, a
solution that saturated with caffeine was obtained.

3.3.6 Analysis of Caffeine

The caffeine containing solution was analyzed using UV/Visible Spectrophotometric

method. A standard curve of absorbance versus concentration was prepared at
wavelength of 275.9 nm. The absorbances were measured for caffeine concentrations
of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mg/L, for the standard curve preparation. Then, the
absorbances of all the caffeine containing solution samples were measured in
UV/Visible Spectrophotometer at 275.9 nm. The concentrations of caffeine in the
solution were read from the standard curve using the absorbance value.
 20

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Standard Curve of Caffeine

The absorbance value for each standard concentrations of caffeine is shown

Appendix C (Table C.1). Standard curve for caffeine concentrations were drawn
using the data above. The following Figure 4.1 shows the standard curve obtained.

Absorbance versus Caffeine Concentration

0.3
y = 0.044x - 0.044
0.25
R² = 0.999
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Caffeine Concentration (mg/L)

Figure 4.1: Standard curve of caffeine

 21

4.2 The Effect of MCBC2 Particle Size on the Caffeine Yield

The effect of MCBC2 particle size on the percentage of caffeine yield was
investigated and the data obtained is shown in Appendix C (Table C.2).

The absorbance value was read for every caffeine solution that obtained for 5
different MCBC2 particle sizes, at 275.9 nm. Using the absorbance value, the
concentration of caffeine was read from the standard curve for caffeine. From the
caffeine concentration value, the amount of caffeine in 1 gram of MCBC2 sample
was calculated. This is done by first determining the concentration of MCBC2
sample solution. Since 5 grams of MCBC2 is in 100 mL of water, thus the
concentration of MCBC2 solution is 50 g/L. Then, the amount of caffeine is
calculated by dividing caffeine concentration (mg/L) by MCBC2 concentration (g/L).
The percentage of caffeine yield is calculated by changing the amount of caffeine to
mg per mg sample unit, and then multiplies it with 100%.
 22

Using the above data shown in Table C.2, a graph of percentage of caffeine
yield against MCBC2 particle size was drawn. The following Figure 4.2 shows the
graph.

Caffeine Yield versus Particle Size

0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
400 500 630 800 1000
Particle Size (µm)

Figure 4.2: Percentage of caffeine yield for various MCBC2 particle size

The graph (Figure 4.2) shows that the caffeine yield is higher at lower
MCBC2 particle size. As the MCBC2 particle size increases, the percentage of
caffeine yield is decreases. This is because, at small particle size, the surface area of
the particles becomes large. Thus, more caffeine can diffuse out from cocoa and
extracted. Moreover, at small particle size, the length of diffusion path for caffeine
becomes shorter. Thus, the caffeine can easily diffuse out from inside of cocoa to the
surface and extracted by solvent. Therefore, the highest percentage of caffeine yield
is at particle size of 400 µm (0.35 % of caffeine or 3.4956 mg/g cocoa), for the tested
range of particle size between 400 and 1000 µm.

In another research done by Li et al. (1990), an average caffeine yield of

2.316 mg/g sample was obtained for the cocoa beans tested. The research also
resulted that at smaller sample particle size, the caffeine found was higher. This
indicates that the results obtained in this research using MCBC2 are feasible.
 23

4.3 The Effect of Solvent/Feed Ratio on the Caffeine Yield

The effect of solvent/feed ratio on the percentage of caffeine yield was investigated
and the data obtained is shown in Appendix C (Table C.3).

The absorbance value was read for every caffeine solution that obtained for 5
different solvent/feed ratios, at 275.9 nm. The caffeine concentration (mg/L), amount
of caffeine (mg per g sample), and the percentage of caffeine yield was calculated
similarly as the calculation of effect of particle size data shown in Table 4.2.

Solvent/feed ratio of 1:5 shows that the feed is 5 times of the solvent,
whereby for 100 mL of feed, 20 mL of solvent is used. Similarly, for solvent/feed
ratio of 1:3, the feed is 3 times of the solvent, whereby for 100 mL of feed, 33.3 mL
of solvent is used. For solvent/feed ratio of 1:1, the amounts of solvent and feed are
equal, whereby for 100 mL of feed, 100 mL of solvent is used. The solvent here is
the ethyl acetate.
 24

Using the data shown in Table C.3, a graph of percentage of caffeine yield against
solvent/feed ratio was drawn. The following Figure 4.3 shows the graph.

Caffeine Yield versus Solvent/Feed Ratio

0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0.2 0.25 0.33 0.5 1
Solvent/Feed Ratio

Figure 4.3: Percentage of caffeine yield for various solvent/feed ratio

The graph (Figure 4.3) shows that the percentage of caffeine yield is higher at
larger solvent/feed ratio. As the solvent/feed ratio increases, the percentage of
caffeine yield increases. This is because, at high solvent/feed ratio, the volume of
solvent becomes more per volume of feed. As the solvent (ethyl acetate) volume
becomes more in the solution, the contact between solvent and solute (caffeine)
becomes more frequent, and more caffeine is extracted from the solution. Thus, in the
tested range of solvent/feed ratio (between 1:5 and 1:1), the highest percentage of
caffeine yield is at 1:1 solvent/feed ratio, which is 0.35 % of caffeine or 3.5066 mg/g
cocoa.

Although high amount of caffeine is extracted with high amount of solvent

theoretically, but economically, it is not relevant, since high amount of solvent
requires high cost. Therefore, an optimum amount of solvent/feed ratio that is
between 1:5 and 1:1 should be used.
 25

Hameed et al. (2003) states that percent of extraction increases as the

solvent/feed ratio increases. The MCBC2 in this research also shows the similar
result, whereby percent of caffeine yield increases as the solvent/feed ratio increases.

4.4 The Effect of Extraction Time on the Caffeine Yield

The effect of extraction time on the percentage of caffeine yield was investigated and
the data obtained is shown in Appendix C (Table C.4).

The absorbance value was read for every caffeine solution that obtained for 5
different extraction time, at 275.9 nm. The caffeine concentration (mg/L), amount of
caffeine (mg per g sample), and the percentage of caffeine yield was calculated
similarly as the calculation of effect of particle size data shown in Table 4.2.

The extraction time is the time for the leaching (solid-liquid extraction) of
caffeine from MCBC2 using water as solvent. The leaching was done for 5 different
extraction time that are 15, 30, 45, 60, and 90 minutes.
 26

Using the data shown in Table C.4, a graph of percentage of caffeine yield
against extraction time was drawn. The following Figure 4.4 shows the graph.

Caffeine Yield versus Extraction Time

0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
15 30 45 60 90
Extraction Time (Minutes)

Figure 4.4: Percentage of caffeine yield for various extraction time

The above graph (Figure 4.4) shows that the percentage of caffeine yield is
higher at longer extraction time. As the extraction time increases, the percentage of
caffeine yield increases. This is because, the longer the extraction time, the longer
the MCBC2 particles spend time in the solvent (water). The diffusion of caffeine
from inside of cocoa to the surface of cocoa, and then to the solvent takes place for
longer time. Thus, the caffeine yield increases by time. In the tested range between
15 and 90 minutes of extraction time, the highest percentage of caffeine yield is
obtained at 90 minutes (0.34 % of caffeine or 3.4356 mg/g cocoa).

In a research done by Hameed et al. (2003), it is stated that percent of

extraction increases as the extraction time increases. The MCBC2 in this research
also shows similar result, whereby percent of caffeine yield increases as the
extraction time increases.
 27

th
The increase in caffeine yield becomes less after the 60 minute. This is
because, the solvent (water) that saturated with caffeine decreases further diffusion
of caffeine into the solvent. In industrial productions, time is an important factor. The
more the time saved, the more the production. This applies also for extraction, where
although longer time yield more caffeine, but an optimum time should be used so
that long time is not consumed and at the same time high caffeine yield is obtained.

According to a research done by Ramli et al. (2001), the amount of caffeine

in cocoa bean sample tested was 4.12 mg/g sample. The amount of caffeine in
MCBC2 was approximately 3.50 mg/g sample. This shows the results obtained in
this research are acceptable.
 28

CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The caffeine has been resulted from MCBC2 using batch solvent extraction
method, effectively. The highest caffeine yield was obtained at sample particle size
of 400µm (0.35 % w/w caffeine or 3.4956 mg/g cocoa), solvent/feed ratio of 1:1
(0.35 % w/w caffeine or 3.5066 mg/g cocoa), and extraction time of 90 minutes (0.34
% w/w caffeine or 3.4356 mg/g cocoa.

Ethyl acetate, in general, exhibits harmful effects on humans and the

environment. They are moderately toxic compound. Ethyl acetate is a clear,
colourless, flammable liquid with a pleasant, fruity odour. Exposure to ethyl acetate
can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and eye or skin contact. Ethyl acetate causes
irritation, redness, and tearing of the eyes and irritation of the nose and throat, and
causes skin dryness after acute exposure. Chronic exposure of the skin to ethyl
acetate may cause dermatitis. Ethyl acetate is being favoured as solvent in solvent
extraction because of its low cost, low toxicity, and agreeable odour. Decaffeination
of coffee, cocoa beans and tea leaves are being done using this solvent. Personal
Protective Equipments such as gloves, face mask, etc. should be worn when deal with
ethyl acetate, as a safety precaution.
 29

This research is an important implementation for the potential of extracting

caffeine from MCBC2, and at the same time to get decaffeinated cocoa at low cost
and high efficiency. It is recommended to repeat this research on different types of
cocoa seeds. Different solvents for liquid-liquid extraction also should be tried, such
as supercritical carbon dioxide, hexane, etc. Different solid-liquid extraction method
should be tried, such as soxhlet extraction, which is a continuous method. The
analysis of caffeine yield should be tried using high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC).
 30

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Cheesman, E. E. (1944). Notes on the nomenclature, classification and possible

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commercially available tea and tea waste, Jahangirnagar Uni. J. Sci., 25, 9.

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Staffordshire, UK.
 32

Mumin, M. A., Akhter, K. F., Abedin, M. Z. and Hossain, M. Z. (2006).

Determination and Characterization of Caffeine in Tea, Coffee and Soft
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 33

APPENDICES

Appendix A: The Picture of MCBC2 Tree

 34

Appendix B: Material Safety Data Sheet of Ethyl Acetate

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Product Identification

Synonyms: Acetic acid ethyl ester; Acetic ether; Acetoxyethane; Ethyl

Acetic Ester; Ethyl ethanoate
CAS No.: 141-78-6
Molecular Weight: 88
Chemical Formula: CH3COOC2H5

2. Hazards Identification

Health Rating: 2 - Moderate (Life)

Flammability Rating: 3 - Severe (Flammable)
Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight
Contact Rating: 2 - Moderate
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON;
VENT HOOD; PROPER GLOVES; CLASS B EXTINGUISHER
Storage Color Code: Red (Flammable)

Potential Health Effects

----------------------------------

Inhalation:
Inhalation can cause severe irritation of mucous membranes and upper
respiratory tract. Symptoms may include burning sensation, coughing,
wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting.
High concentrations may cause lung damage. An irritant to the nose,
throat, and upper respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations have a
narcotic effect and may cause liver and kidney damage.
Ingestion:
Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include
nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Skin Contact:
Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching, and pain.
Repeated or prolonged contact with the skin has a defatting effect and
may cause dryness, cracking, and possibly dermatitis.
Eye Contact:
Causes irritation, redness, and pain.
 35

Chronic Exposure:
Chronic overexposure may cause anemia with leukocytosis (transient increase
in the white blood cell count) and damage to the liver and kidneys.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems, or impaired liver,
kidney or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the
substance.

3. First Aid Measures

Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing
is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion:
Give large amounts of water to drink. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Get medical attention.
Skin Contact:
Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15
minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention.
Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting
lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.

4. Fire Fighting Measures

Fire:
Flash point: -4C (25F) CC
Autoignition temperature: 426C (799F)
Flammable limits in air % by volume:
lel: 2.0; uel: 11.5
Flammable Liquid and Vapor! Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire.
Explosion:
Above flash point, vapor-air mixtures are explosive within flammable limits
noted above. Vapors can flow along surfaces to distant ignition source and
flash back. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. Sensitive to static
discharge.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Water spray, dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. Water may be
ineffective. Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed containers cool.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-
contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure
demand or other positive pressure mode. Water may be used to flush spills
away from exposures and to dilute spills to non-flammable mixtures. Vapors
can flow along surfaces to distant ignition source and flash back.
 36

5. Handling and Storage

Protect against physical damage. Store in a cool, dry well-ventilated location,

away from any area where the fire hazard may be acute. Outside or detached
storage is preferred. Separate from incompatibles. Containers should be
bonded and grounded for transfers to avoid static sparks. Storage and use
areas should be No Smoking areas. Use non-sparking type tools and
equipment, including explosion proof ventilation. Containers of this material
may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (vapors,
liquid); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.

6. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:

-OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): 400 ppm (TWA)

-ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV): 400 ppm (TWA), A4 - Not

classifiable as a human carcinogen.

Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee
exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is
generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant
at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
If the exposure limit is exceeded and engineering controls are not feasible, a
full facepiece respirator with organic vapor cartridge may be worn up to 50
times the exposure limit or the maximum use concentration specified by the
appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. For
emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-
facepiece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air
purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection:
Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron
or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield where splashing is
possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work
area.
 37

7. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance:
Clear liquid.
Odor:
Fruity odor.
Solubility:
1 ml/10ml water @ 25C
Specific Gravity:
0.902 @ 20C/4C
pH:
No information found.
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F): 100
Boiling Point:
77C (171F)
Melting Point:
-83C (-117F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
3.0
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
76 @ 20C (68F)
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
6

8. Stability and Reactivity

Stability:
Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage. Heat will contribute
to instability. Slowly decomposed by moisture.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide may form when heated to
decomposition.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Avoid heat, flame and other sources of ignition. Contact with nitrates,
strong oxidizers, strong alkalis, or strong acids may cause fire and
explosions. Will attack some forms of plastic, rubber, and coatings.
Conditions to Avoid:
No information found.
 38

Appendix C: Result Data

Table C.1: Absorbance for standard concentrations of caffeine

Caffeine Concentration (mg/L) Absorbance

0 0.000
5 0.045
10 0.090
15 0.137
20 0.180
25 0.224
30 0.270

Table C.2: Percentage of caffeine yield for different MCBC2 particle sizes

Caffeine Amount of
Particle Size Caffeine
Absorbance Concentration Caffeine (mg
(µm) Yield (%)
(mg/L) per g sample)

1000 0.275 30.56 0.6112 0.06

800 0.528 58.67 1.1734 0.12
630 0.701 77.89 1.5578 0.16
500 1.040 115.56 2.3112 0.23
400 1.573 174.78 3.4956 0.35
 39

Table C.3: Percentage of caffeine yield for different solvent/feed ratio

Caffeine Amount of
Caffeine
Solvent/Feed Ratio Absorbance Concentration Caffeine (mg
Yield (%)
(mg/L) per g sample)

1:5 0.267 29.67 0.5934 0.06

1:4 0.482 53.56 1.0712 0.11

1:3 0.734 81.56 1.6312 0.16

1:2 0.928 103.11 2.0622 0.21

1:1 1.578 175.33 3.5066 0.35

Table C.4: Percentage of caffeine yield for different extraction time

Caffeine Amount of
Extraction Time Caffeine
Absorbance Concentration Caffeine (mg
(Minutes) Yield (%)
(mg/L) per g sample)

15 0.430 47.78 0.9556 0.10

30 0.680 75.56 1.5112 0.15
45 0.843 93.67 1.8734 0.19
60 1.400 155.56 3.1112 0.31
90 1.546 171.78 3.4356 0.34