Camphor
The structure of camphor
Camphor, also known as 1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo(2,2,1)heptan-2-one, d-camphor, d-(+)-camphor, (+)-2-bornanone, d-2-bornanone, 1,7,7-Trimethylnorcamphor, 2-Camphanone, 2-camphonone, Bornan-2-one, or Caladryl has the chemical formula C10H16O.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Name | Camphor |
| Chemical formula | C10H16O. |
| Appearance | White or clear crystals |
| CAS-number | 76-22-2 |
| Physical | |
| Formula weight | 152.2358 amu |
| Melting point | 177 °C |
| Boiling point | 207 °C |
| Density | 0.99 ×103 kg/m3 |
| Solubility | 0.12 g in 100 ml water |
| Safety | |
| Dangers | Flammable, combustible |
|
Information from Chemfinder. SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used. | |
Camphor is a white transparent waxy crystalline solid with a strong penetrating pungent aromatic odor. It is found in wood of the camphor laurel, Cinnamomum camphora, which is a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Borneo, hence its alternate name); it can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine.
Modern uses include as a plasticizer for cellulose nitrate, as a moth repellent, in embalming, and in fireworks. Historically it has been used in medicine. In 1980, the Food and Drug Administration set a limit of 11% allowable camphor in consumer products and totally banned products labeled as camphorated oil, camphor oil, camphor liniment, and camphorated liniment. Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of warmth and acts as slight local anesthetic; however, it is poisonous and can cause seizures, mental confusion, irritability, and neuromuscular hyperactivity. Since alternative treatments exist, medicinal use of camphor is discouraged.
Other products derived from trees are sometimes sold, wrongly, as camphor.