How do they extract caffein from coffee? and what does it look like?

Answer 1

Caffeine is highly water soluble. Basically, green (unroasted) coffee beans are soaked in hot water until the caffeine is extracted into the solution. Various different methods, some using chemicals and others using just water, are employed to then separate the caffeine from the desirable flavor oils (the best flavors of the coffee bean are also highly water soluble). The beans are then left in the now decaffeinated solution to reabsorb the flavors.

Caffeine salvaged from coffee looks, well, really gross. You can see some pictures and a more detailed explanation of decaffeination processes here: http://www.sweetmarias.com/health.eco.html
Once refined and ready for sale as a food additive or supplement, it looks like a white powder.

Answer 2

They basically dump a whole bunch of chemicals over the coffee. It's really toxic and strong chemicals which is why decaf smells so funny. You're better off drinking the caffeine than all of the other sh*t that's in decaf.

Dunno what it looks like.