Capsaicin

C₁₈H₂₇NO₃

IUPAC: (E)-N-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylnon-6-enamide

CAS: 404-86-4

Overview

Capsaicin is the chemical responsible for the heat in chili peppers. It activates TRPV1 pain receptors, producing a burning sensation without actual tissue damage.

Composition

Element	Symbol	Atoms	Atomic Mass
Hydrogen	H	27	1.0080
Carbon	C	18	12.0110
Nitrogen	N	1	14.0070
Oxygen	O	3	15.9990

Elemental Composition

Hydrogen ×27

8.9%

Carbon ×18

70.8%

Nitrogen ×1

4.6%

Oxygen ×3

15.7%

Uses

• Topical pain relief
• Pepper spray
• Food flavoring
• Metabolic research

Fun Facts

✦ Birds cannot taste capsaicin, which allows them to spread pepper seeds

Safety

⚠ Severe irritant to eyes and mucous membranes

Structure

SMILES

CC(C)C=CCCCCC(=O)NCC1=CC(=C(C=C1)O)OC

Properties

Type: organic
State: solid
Molar Mass: 305.41 g/mol
Density: 1.0110 g/cm³
Melting Point: 65.0 °C
Boiling Point: 210.0 °C
Solubility: 0.013 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass: 305.1991
XLogP: 3.6
TPSA: 58.6 Å²
H-Bond Donors: 2
H-Bond Acceptors: 3
Rotatable Bonds: 9
Heavy Atoms: 22
Complexity: 341.0

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Capsaicin?

Capsaicin (C₁₈H₂₇NO₃) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name (E)-N-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)-8-methylnon-6-enamide.

What is the molecular weight of Capsaicin?

Capsaicin has a molar mass of 305.41 g/mol.

What state is Capsaicin at room temperature?

Capsaicin is a solid at room temperature.

Is Capsaicin organic or inorganic?

Capsaicin is classified as an organic compound.

What elements make up Capsaicin?

Capsaicin (C₁₈H₂₇NO₃) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).