Caffeine (C8H10N4O2) is a stimulant found in coffees and teas. When dissolved in water, it can accept a proton from a water molecule. Write the chemical equation for this process and identify the Brønsted-Lowry acid and base

See figure 1

Explanation:

If we want to find the acid and the Brønsted-Lowry base, we must remember the definition for each of these molecules:

-) Acid: hydrogen donor

-) Base: hydrogen acceptor

In the caffeine structure, we have several atoms of nitrogen. These nitrogen atoms have the ability to accept hydronium ions (). Therefore the caffeine molecule will be the base since it can accept

If caffeine is the base, the water must be the acid. So, the water in this reaction donated a hydronium ion.

Thus, caffeine is the base and water the acid. (See figure 1)