Caffeinated Curiosity | News Detail

In the latest issue of Atomic Magazine, Charterhouse's entirely pupil-led, written, and published scientific magazine, Kinan (Year 12) explores caffeine and its effects on the body.

22 January 2026

Caffeine is the world’s most consumed psychoactive drug. I am no exception to this; I drink green tea every day (I know, a seemingly bland fact). Nonetheless, it made me think about a couple things, the main question being: why do I feel more alert and focused when I have just consumed some caffeine? Caffeine has carried me through many gym and study sessions, and once you drink enough of it, it almost feels euphoric. But why? How does this drug even work? Today, I’ll be attempting to answer this question.

Chemical Identity:

Caffeine has the formula C₈H₁₀N₄O₂, with a molecular mass of 194.19 g mol^-1. It contains carbonyl groups in a conjugated ring, three amine groups, and a cyclic fused ring. But why is this important? Caffeine’s structure resembles adenosine, the chemical backbone of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP – a key energy currency within our body. It is responsible for respiration, movement, and much more, such as anabolic reactions. Now, normally, adenosine builds up in your brain throughout the day, binding to A1 and A2AS receptors in the brain, which causes neurones to fire more slowly. This is ultimately what makes you “sleepy”.

(cont.)

'So now we know. From blocking adenosine receptors, to boosting cAMP, from rapid brain entry to a slow liver breakdown, every aspect of caffeine’s behaviour boils down to its molecular structure and biochemical pathways. Caffeine is a great example of how a single molecule can shape mood and performance through elegant chemistry.'

KINAN (year 12)

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