Xanthine Derivatives

Xanthine Derivatives

Xanthine derivatives are a class of compounds chemically related to naturally occurring xanthines such as caffeine, theobromine, and other methylxanthines. These substances are plant-based alkaloids commonly present in everyday foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, and cocoa.

Pharmacologically, xanthine derivatives exert their effects primarily by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzymes, which leads to elevated intracellular cyclic AMP levels. They also function as adenosine receptor antagonists and, in some cases, demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity by modulating cellular signaling pathways and gene expression. These mechanisms collectively facilitate smooth muscle relaxation, especially in the respiratory tract.

Consequently, xanthine derivatives are widely used for the management of bronchospasm and respiratory disorders, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among these, theophylline remains one of the most frequently prescribed therapeutic agents.

Caffeine Anhydrous

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant belonging to the methylxanthine class and is chemically a purine derivative, similar in structure to adenine and guanine. It is found in a variety of plants, particularly in coffee beans, and can also be produced synthetically from compounds like dimethylurea and cyanoacetic acid. Caffeine is best known for its ability to enhance alertness and concentration, and it is also studied for potential benefits in managing headaches, migraines, and improving physical performance.

Chemical Name1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine (also called 7-methyltheophylline)
Chemical FormulaC8H10N4O2
CAS Number58-08-2
PharmacopoeiaIP / BP / USP / Ph.Eur
Molecular Weight194.2 g/mol (anhydrous)
Purity≥99.9%
DescriptionWhite crystalline powder or needle-shaped crystals; odorless, sublimes readily
Transmittance≥60%
Absorbance≤0.15%
Foreign Particles≤50 ppm
Typical ImpuritiesTheophylline, isocaffeine, theobromine, 1,7-dimethylxanthine
End UseUsed in pharmaceuticals, beverages, and nutraceuticals to temporarily increase alertness and improve mood
Treatment / ApplicationPharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals, Beverages

Theobromine

Theobromine, sometimes called Xantheose, is a natural alkaloid predominantly found in the cacao plant (Theobroma cacao). It usually appears as a white or nearly colorless crystalline substance, though commercial samples can sometimes show a slight yellow hue. It has a mildly bitter flavor and low water solubility (approximately 330 mg/L). This compound is used in industry as an ingredient in certain cosmetic formulations and as a chemical precursor. In addition to chocolate, theobromine can also be found in foods such as tea leaves and kola nuts. With the CAS number 83-67-0, theobromine exhibits several physiological effects, including dilating blood vessels (vasodilation), promoting urination, and providing mild stimulation to the heart.

PropertyDetails
Chemical Name3,7-Dimethylxanthine
Chemical FormulaC7H8N4O2
CAS Number83-67-0
PharmacopoeiaPh.Eur
Molecular Weight180.17 g/mol
DescriptionWhite to off-white crystalline powder
Assay (dried)≥99.0% and ≤101.0%
Packaging25 kg drums or customized packaging per customer requirements
End UsePharmaceutical applications
Treatment / ApplicationActs as a vasodilator, mild diuretic, and heart stimulant

Theophylline

Theophylline (1,3-dimethylxanthine) is a xanthine-based compound commonly used as a bronchodilator and phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It helps open the airways by relaxing the smooth muscles in the lungs, making it effective for managing respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Often, theophylline is combined with other treatments to control symptoms associated with bronchitis, emphysema, and similar lung disorders. Structurally, it is closely related to both caffeine and theobromine, sharing similar pharmacological properties.

PropertyDetails
Chemical Name1,3-Dimethylxanthine
Chemical FormulaC7H8N4O2
CAS Number58-55-9
PharmacopoeiaIP / BP / USP / Ph.Eur
Molecular Weight180.17 g/mol
Purity≥99.5%
DescriptionWhite crystalline powder
Absorbance≤0.53%
Typical ImpuritiesTheophylline-related compounds B, C, D; Caffeine
Packaging25 kg fiber drums, 500 kg jumbo bags, or customized packaging per customer requirements
End UsePharmaceutical applications
Treatment / ApplicationRespiratory diseases including COPD, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other pulmonary conditions

Pentoxifylline

Pentoxifylline, also called Oxpentifylline, is a xanthine-based compound that improves blood circulation. It is commonly used to treat muscle discomfort and pain associated with peripheral artery disease. By enhancing blood flow, pentoxifylline helps reduce leg pain caused by limited oxygen supply to tissues, allowing patients to walk longer distances before cramps or fatigue occur.

PropertyDetails
Chemical Name3,7-Dimethyl-1-(5-oxohexyl)purine-2,6-dione
Chemical FormulaC13H18N4O3
CAS Number6493-05-6
PharmacopoeiaIP / BP / Ph.Eur
Molecular Weight278.31 g/mol
Purity≥99.5%
DescriptionWhite to off-white crystalline powder
Typical ImpuritiesTheobromine, Theophylline, Caffeine, and related xanthine derivatives
Packaging25 kg fiber drums, 500 kg jumbo bags, or custom packaging per customer requirements
End UsePharmaceutical applications
Treatment / ApplicationUsed to improve blood flow in peripheral artery disease and reduce associated muscle pain or cramps

Aminophylline

Aminophylline is a compound formed as a 2:1 complex of the bronchodilator theophylline and ethylenediamine. The addition of ethylenediamine increases the water solubility of theophylline, and aminophylline commonly exists as a dihydrate. Compared to pure theophylline, aminophylline is less potent and has a shorter half-life. It is mainly used to treat airway obstruction in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its mechanism involves both nonselective adenosine receptor antagonism and phosphodiesterase inhibition, which help relax the airways. Aminophylline is typically administered in hospital or clinical settings, often alongside other therapies, to manage acute symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and related respiratory disorders. It is classified as a bronchodilator.

PropertyDetails
Chemical Name1,3-Dimethylxanthine; ethane-1,2-diamine
Chemical FormulaC16H24N10O4
CAS Number317-34-0
PharmacopoeiaIP / BP / USP
Molecular Weight420.43 g/mol
Purity≥98.0%
DescriptionWhite to slightly yellowish granules or powder
Typical ImpuritiesTheophylline
Packaging25 kg fiber drums, 500 kg jumbo bags, or custom packaging per customer requirements
End UsePharmaceutical applications
Treatment / ApplicationManagement of respiratory diseases including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and other pulmonary conditions

Doxofylline

Doxofylline, sometimes spelled doxophylline, is a xanthine-based bronchodilator that inhibits phosphodiesterase and is commonly prescribed for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unlike many other xanthine compounds, doxofylline shows little to no activity at adenosine receptors and does not produce typical stimulant effects. Its therapeutic benefits in asthma are therefore believed to result primarily from its phosphodiesterase-inhibiting action rather than adenosine receptor antagonism.

PropertyDetails
Chemical Name7-(1,3-Dioxolan-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Chemical FormulaC11H14N4O4
CAS Number69975-86-6
PharmacopoeiaIP / BP / Ph.Eur
Molecular Weight266.26 g/mol
End UsePharmaceutical applications
Treatment / ApplicationBronchodilator; relaxes airway muscles and widens airways to ease breathing

Etophylline

Etophylline is a bronchodilator medication used to help prevent and manage symptoms associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, allowing them to widen and making breathing easier. While chemically related to theophylline, etophylline is often administered alongside other treatments, such as salbutamol, to enhance its therapeutic effect.

PropertyDetails
Chemical Name7-(2-Hydroxyethyl)theophylline
Chemical FormulaC9H14N4O3
CAS Number519-37-9
PharmacopoeiaIP / BP
Molecular Weight226.23 g/mol
End UseBronchodilator applications
Treatment / ApplicationManagement of asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions