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Camphor Chemical Properties |
Melting point |
175-177 °C(lit.) |
Boiling point |
204 °C(lit.) |
density |
0.992 |
vapor density |
5.2 (vs air) |
vapor pressure |
4 mm Hg ( 70 °C) |
refractive index |
1.5462 (estimate) |
FEMA |
4513 | dl-CAMPHOR |
Fp |
148 °F |
storage temp. |
Store below +30°C. |
solubility |
Soluble in acetone, ethanol, diethylether, chloroform and acetic acid. |
form |
neat |
optical activity |
[α]20/D +0.15 to -0.15°, c = 10% in ethanol |
explosive limit |
0.6-4.5%(V) |
Water Solubility |
0.12 g/100 mL (25 ºC) |
Merck |
14,1732 |
JECFA Number |
2199 |
BRN |
1907611 |
Henry's Law Constant |
(x 10-5 atm m3/mol): 3.00 at 20 °C (approximate - calculated from water solubility and vapor pressure) |
Exposure limits |
TLV-TWA 12 mg/m3 (2 ppm), STEL 18 mg/m3 (3 ppm) (ACGIH); IDLH 200 mg/m3 (NIOSH). . |
Stability: |
Stable. Combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, metallic salts, combustible materials, organics. |
InChIKey |
DSSYKIVIOFKYAU-MHPPCMCBSA-N |
CAS DataBase Reference |
76-22-2(CAS DataBase Reference) |
NIST Chemistry Reference |
Camphor(76-22-2) |
EPA Substance Registry System |
Camphor (76-22-2) |
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Camphor Usage And Synthesis |
Description |
Camphor is a white, waxy organic compound that is incorporated in lotions, ointments, and creams. Camphor is also an active ingredient that is integrated into a majority of over-the-counter medications for cold and cough relief. Camphor oil is obtained from camphor tree wood, where the extract is processed through steam distillation. It has a pungent odor and a strong taste, and it can be absorbed into the skin easily. Currently, synthetic camphor is extracted from turpentine, and it is considered safe for use as long as appropriate indications are upheld. |
Uses |
Camphor has a wide range of uses based on its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. It can be used for the treatment of certain skin conditions, enhance respiratory function and as a pain reliever.
Camphor may also be indicated for the treatment of low libido, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, flatulence, and poor blood circulation, corns, symptoms of heart disease, cold sores, earaches, acne, and hair loss.
Camphor is considered effective for coughs, pain, skin irritation or itching relief, and osteoarthritis. However, there is insufficient evidence that reinforces its effectiveness as a treatment for hemorrhoids, warts, and low blood pressure and as a remedy for insect bites. |
Dosage |
The topical dose of camphor is 3-11% as an ointment. For skin irritation, itching and pain, 3-11% of the ointment should be applied to the skin 3-4times per day. For coughs and cold relief, a dense layer of 4.7-5.3% of Camphor ointment can be spread evenly onto the chest. For Osteoarthritis, a topical combination comprising 32mg/g of camphor, 50mg/g of chondroitin sulfate, and 30mg/g of glucosamine sulfate can be applied based on one’s requirements for about 8 weeks.
To relieve respiratory congestion through inhalation, 1 tablespoon of Camphor for every quart of water should be placed in a vaporizer 3 times per day. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that Camphor should not exceed 11% for topical products and disqualifies the oral use of camphor in children as it may result in toxicity and death. |
Interactions |
There are no known mild, moderate or severe drug interactions associated with Camphor. However, if a doctor or pharmacist suggests that one can use camphor while on certain medications, then they are aware of potential drug interactions and they could be putting the patient on observation. One should always notify their doctor or pharmacist if they have health concerns or questions related to camphor. |
Side Effects |
Common side effects associated with Camphor include skin irritation and redness, burning sensation in the throat and mouth, vomiting, nausea, Lip dryness, rashes, eczema, seizures, respiratory issues, toxicity, scalp issues and chest problems.
In pregnant or lactating mothers, camphor may result in physical and neurological damage to the developing fetus as it can be absorbed through the placenta. It can also be absorbed through the skin hence it can contaminate milk in lactating women. Camphor is considered exceptionally harmful for people with Parkinson’s disease as it interacts negatively with medications for Parkinson and it can result in high toxicity levels. |
Warning |
Cinnamomum camphora, Lodine and cemphire should not be prescribed to a person who is allergic to camphor or its constituent ingredients.
Camphor is safe when used appropriately hence one should confirm that its composition in camphor products does not exceed 11%. A skin patch test is highly recommended before application of camphor products onto the skin.
Camphor products should not be applied onto injured or broken skin as toxic levels of the product may be absorbed into the body. Camphor may also induce respiratory issues such as wheezing when inhaled. |
Description |
Camphor was recorded in the ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine, such as Pin Hui Jing Yao, Ben Cao Gang Mu, and Sheng Lian Fang. There has been a long history for traditional Chinese medicine to use camphor. |
Chemical Properties |
Both optical isomers are found widely in nature, with (+)-camphor being the more abundant. It is, for example, the main component of oils obtained from the camphor tree C. camphora. Camphor is produced by fractional distillation and crystallization of camphor oil or, synthetically, by dehydrogenation of isoborneol over a copper catalyst.
Due to its characteristic penetrating, slightly minty odor, camphor is only used in perfuming industrial products. It is far more important as a plasticizer. |
Chemical Properties |
Camphor, C1oH160, also known as d-2-camphanone, Japan camphor, laurel camphor,Formosa camphor,and gumcamphor,is a terpene ketone. It is colourless solid with a characteristic odour that is obtained from the wood and bark of the camphor tree and is soluble in water and alcohol. It has two optically active forms (dextro and levo) and an optically inactive mixture (racemic) of these two forms. Camphor is used in pharmaceuticals,in disinfectants, in explosives,and to harden nitrocellulose plastics. |
Chemical Properties |
Camphor is a colorless glassy solid. Penetrating, characteristic odor. |
Physical properties |
Colorless to white, flammable granules, crystals or waxy semi-solid with a strong, penetrating, fragrant or aromatic odor. Odor threshold concentration is 0.27 ppm (quoted, Amoore and Hautala, 1983). |
History |
The research and development process of camphor has gone through from the natural product extraction to the modern chemical drug synthesis. For a long time, the Chinese extracted camphor mainly from camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), root bark of bodinier cinnamon, and Yunnan camphor tree. With the development of chemical industry, human beings started to use chemical synthesis methods to obtain a large amount of camphor. At present, the chemical synthesis process of camphor in China has been well developed. The synthetic camphor is divided into industrial and pharmaceutical grades. The industrial grade camphor has a content of up to 96% or higher, and the pharmaceutical grade camphor with high purity can meet the standard of pharmacopeia. |
Uses |
dl-Camphor is used as a plasticizer for celluloseesters and ethers; in the manufacture ofplastics and cymene; in cosmetics, lacquers,medicine, explosives, and pyrotechnics; andas a moth repellent. |
Uses |
Antipruritic. |
Uses |
camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is credited with anesthetic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, cooling, and refreshing properties, and thought to be slightly stimulating to blood circulation and function. once absorbed by the subcutaneous tissue, it combines in the body with glucoronic acid and is released through the urine. Camphor is effective for oily and acne skin treatment, and has a scent similar to eucalyptus. In high concentrations, it can be an irritant and numb the peripheral sensory nerves. natural camphor is derived from an evergreen tree indigenous to Asia, although now its synthetic substitute is often used. |
Definition |
A ketone occurring naturally in the wood of the cam- phor tree (Cinnamomum camphora). |
Definition |
A naturally- occurring white organic compound with a characteristic penetrating odor. It is a cyclic compound and a ketone, formerly obtained from the wood of the camphor tree but now made synthetically. Camphor is used as a platicizer for celluloid and as an insecticide against clothes moths. |
Definition |
camphor: A white crystalline cyclicketone, C10H16O; r.d. 0.99; m.p.179°C; b.p. 204°C. It was formerly obtainedfrom the wood of the Formosancamphor tree, but can now besynthesized. The compound has acharacteristic odour associated withits use in mothballs. It is a plasticizerin celluloid. |
Indications |
Camphor is a ketone which, when applied in 1% to 3% concentration, has mild antipruritic effects through its anesthetic and counterirritant properties. Counterirritants are substances that, by inducing other sensations such as coolness or warmth, ‘‘crowd out’’ the perception of pain or itch. Camphor is used in various OTC topical analgesic products in concentrations as high as 9%. |
Brand name |
Anbesol;Cresophene;Dasin;Ddd;Endrine;Makatussin;Mentol sedans sulfamidad;Nasello;Resol;Root bark oil;Spirit of camphor;Tcp;Tetesept;Topic. |
World Health Organization (WHO) |
Camphor, an aromatic crystalline substance with mild local anaesthetic activity, is available in preparations for both external application and inhalation. The use of such preparations has precipitated convulsions in susceptible infants. This has led several regulatory authorities to require the inclusion of appropriate warnings on labelling. |
Synthesis Reference(s) |
The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 41, p. 3329, 1976 DOI: 10.1021/jo00882a030 |
General Description |
A colorless or white colored crystalline powder with a strong mothball-like odor. About the same density as water. Emits flammable vapors above 150°F. Used to make moth proofings, pharmaceuticals, and flavorings. |
Air & Water Reactions |
Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water. |
Reactivity Profile |
Naphthalene, Camphor, glycerol, or turpentine will react violently with chromic anhydride [Haz. Chem. Data 1967 p. 68]. |
Hazard |
Evolves flammable and explosive vapors when heated. Eye and upper respiratory tract irri- tant, and anosmia. Questionable carcinogen. |
Health Hazard |
Vapors of camphor can irritate the eyes, nose,and throat. In humans, such irritation may be felt at >3 ppm concentration. Prolongedexposure can cause headache, dizziness, andloss of sense of smell. Ingestion can causeheadache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,and at high dosages can lead to convulsion,dyspnea, and coma. High dosages can beharmful to gastrointestinal tracts, kidney,and brain.
LD50 value, intraperitoneal (mice): 3000mg/kg. |
Health Hazard |
Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. |
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