MOLECULE

7-Methylxanthine

7-Methylxanthine, also known as heteroxanthin, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as xanthines. These are purine derivatives with a ketone group conjugated at carbons 2 and 6 of the purine moiety. 7-Methylxanthine is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). 7-Methylxanthine exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, 7-methylxanthine participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, 7-methylxanthine and formaldehyde can be biosynthesized from paraxanthine through the action of the enzyme cytochrome P450 1A2. In addition, 7-methylxanthine can be converted into 7-methyluric acid through the action of the enzyme xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase. In humans, 7-methylxanthine is involved in caffeine metabolism. Outside of the human body, 7-Methylxanthine has been detected, but not quantified in, arabica coffee. This could make 7-methylxanthine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. 7-Methylxanthine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.