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EC / List no.: 200-945-0
CAS no.: 76-22-2
Mol. formula: C10H16O
Camphor (/ˈkæmfər/) is a waxy, flammable, transparent solid with a strong aroma.
Camphor is a terpenoid with the chemical formula C10H16O.
Camphor is found in the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a large evergreen tree found in East Asia; and in the related kapur tree (Dryobalanops sp.), a tall timber tree from South East Asia.
Camphor also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, notably Ocotea usambarensis.
Rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis) contain 0.05 to 0.5% camphor, while camphorweed (Heterotheca) contains some 5%.
A major source of camphor in Asia is camphor basil (the parent of African blue basil).
Camphor can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine.
The molecule has two possible enantiomers as shown in the structural diagrams.
The structure on the left is the naturally occurring (+)-camphor ((1R,4R)-bornan-2-one), while its mirror image shown on the right is the (−)-camphor ((1S,4S)-bornan-2-one).
Camphor is used for its scent, as an embalming fluid, as topical medication, as a manufacturing chemical, and in religious ceremonies.
Etymology
The word camphor derives from the French word camphre, itself from Latin: camfora, from Arabic: كافور, romanized: kafur, from Malay: kapur, perhaps via Sanskrit: कर्पुरम्, romanized: karpuram.
Camphor has been in burnt as an offering to Hindu deities as since ancient times and is known in India as "karpoora aarathi".
In Old Malay Camphor is known as kapur Barus, which means "the chalk of Barus".
Barus was an ancient port located near modern Sibolga on the western coast of Sumatra.
This port traded in camphor extracted from the camphor trees (Cinnamonum camphora) that were abundant in the region.
Even now Indonesians refer to aromatic naphthalene balls and moth balls as kapur Barus.
Production
Camphor has been produced as a forest product for centuries, condensed from the vapor given off by the roasting of wood chips cut from the relevant trees, and later by passing steam through the pulverized wood and condensing the vapors.
By the early 19th century most camphor tree reserves had been depleted with the remaining large stands in Japan and Taiwan with Taiwanese production greatly exceeding Japanese.
Camphor was one of the primary resources extracted by Taiwan’s colonial powers as well as one of the most lucrative.
First the Chinese and then the Japanese established monopolies on Taiwanese camphor.
In 1868 a British naval force sailed into Anping harbor and the local British representative demanded the end of the Chinese camphor monopoly, after the local Qing representative refused the British bombarded the town and took the harbor.
The "camphor regulations” negotiated between the two sides subsequently saw a brief end to the camphor monopoly.
when its use in the nascent chemical industries (discussed below) greatly increased the volume of demand in the late 19th century, potential for changes in supply and in price followed.
In 1911 Robert Kennedy Duncan, an industrial chemist and educator, related that the Imperial Japanese government had recently (1907–1908) tried to monopolize the production of natural camphor as a forest product in Asia but that the monopoly was prevented by the development of the total synthesis alternatives, which began in "purely academic and wholly uncommercial" form with Gustav Komppa's first report "but Camphor sealed the fate of the Japanese monopoly.
For no sooner was Camphor accomplished than Camphor excited the attention of a new army of investigators—the industrial chemists.
The patent offices of the world were soon crowded with alleged commercial syntheses of camphor, and of the favored processes companies were formed to exploCamphor them, factories resulted, and in the incredibly short time of two years after its academic synthesis artificial camphor, every whCamphor as good as the natural product, entered the markets of the world.
And yet artificial camphor does not—and cannot—displace the natural product to an extent sufficient to ruin the camphor-growing industry.
Its sole present and probable future function is to act as a permanent check to monopolization, to act as a balance-wheel to regulate prices within reasonable limits."
This ongoing check on price growth was confirmed in 1942 in a monograph on DuPont's history, where William S. Dutton said, "Indispensable in the manufacture of pyroxylin plastics, natural camphor imported from Formosa and selling normally for about 50 cents a pound, reached the high price of $3.75 in 1918 [amid the global trade disruption and high explosives demand that World War I created].
The organic chemists at DuPont replied by synthesizing camphor from the turpentine of Southern pine stumps, with the result that the price of industrial camphor sold in carload lots in 1939 was between 32 cents and 35 cents a pound."
The background of Gustaf Komppa's synthesis was as follows.
In the 19th century, Camphor was known that nitric acid oxidizes camphor into camphoric acid.
Haller and Blanc published a semisynthesis of camphor from camphoric acid.
Although they demonstrated its structure, they were unable to prove it.
The first complete total synthesis of camphoric acid was published by Komppa in 1903.
Its inputs were diethyl oxalate and 3,3-dimethylpentanoic acid, which reacted by Claisen condensation to yield diketocamphoric acid.
Methylation with methyl iodide and a complicated reduction procedure produced camphoric acid.
William Perkin published another synthesis a short time later. Previously, some organic compounds (such as urea) had been synthesized in the laboratory as a proof of concept, but camphor was a scarce natural product with a worldwide demand.
Komppa realized this.
He began industrial production of camphor in Tainionkoski, Finland, in 1907 (with plenty of competition, as Kennedy Duncan reported).
Camphor can be produced from alpha-pinene, which is abundant in the oils of coniferous trees and can be distilled from turpentine produced as a side product of chemical pulping.
With acetic acid as the solvent and with catalysis by a strong acid, alpha-pinene readily rearranges into camphene, which in turn undergoes Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement into the isobornyl cation, which is captured by acetate to give isobornyl acetate.
Hydrolysis into isoborneol followed by oxidation gives racemic camphor.
By contrast, camphor occurs naturally as D-camphor, the (R)-enantiomer.
Physical uses
The sublimating capability of camphor gives Camphor several uses.
Plastics
The first significant manmade plastics were low-nitrogen (or "soluble") nitrocellulose (pyroxylin) plastics.
In the early decades of the plastics industry, camphor was used in immense quantities as the plasticizer that creates celluloid from nitrocellulose, in nitrocellulose lacquers and other plastics and lacquers.
Pest deterrent and preservative
Camphor is believed to be toxic to insects and is thus sometimes used as a repellent.
Camphor is used as an alternative to mothballs. Camphor crystals are sometimes used to prevent damage to insect collections by other small insects.
Camphor is kept in clothes used on special occasions and festivals, and also in cupboard corners as a cockroach repellent.
The smoke of camphor crystal or camphor incense sticks can be used as an environmentally-friendly mosquito repellent.
Recent studies have indicated that camphor essential oil can be used as an effective fumigant against red fire ants, as Camphor affects the attacking, climbing, and feeding behavior of major and minor workers.
Camphor is also used as an antimicrobial substance.
In embalming, camphor oil was one of the ingredients used by ancient Egyptians for mummification.
Solid camphor releases fumes that form a rust-preventative coating and is therefore stored in tool chests to protect tools against rust.
Perfume
In the ancient Arab world, camphor was a common perfume ingredient.
The Chinese referred to the best camphor as "dragon's brain perfume," due to its "pungent and portentous aroma" and "centuries of uncertainty over its provenance and mode of origin."
Culinary uses
One of the earliest known recipes for ice cream dating to the Tang dynasty includes camphor as an ingredient.
Camphor was used to flavor leavened bread in ancient Egypt.
In ancient and medieval Europe, camphor was used as an ingredient in sweets.
Camphor was used in a wide variety of both savory and sweet dishes in medieval Arabic language cookbooks, such as al-Kitab al-Ṭabikh compiled by ibn Sayyâr al-Warrâq in the 10th century.
Camphor also was used in sweet and savory dishes in the Ni'matnama, according to a book written in the late 15th century for the sultans of Mandu.
Medicinal uses
Camphor is commonly applied as a topical medication as a skin cream or ointment to relieve itching from insect bites, minor skin irritation, or joint pain.
Camphor is absorbed in the skin epidermis, where Camphor stimulates nerve endings sensitive to heat and cold, producing a warm sensation when vigorously applied, or a cool sensation when applied gently.
The action on nerve endings also induces a slight local analgesia.
Camphor is also used as an aerosol, typically by steam inhalation, to inhibCamphor coughing and relieve upper airway congestion due to the common cold.
In high doses, camphor produces symptoms of irritability, disorientation, lethargy, muscle spasms, vomiting, abdominal cramps, convulsions, and seizures.
Lethal doses in adults are in the range 50–500 mg/kg (orally). Generally, two grams cause serious toxicity and four grams are potentially lethal.
Camphor has limited use in veterinary medicine as a respiratory stimulant for horses.
Camphor was used by Ladislas J. Meduna to induce seizures in schizophrenic patients.
Traditional medicine
Camphor has been used in traditional medicine over centuries, probably most commonly as a decongestant.
Camphor was used in ancient Sumatra to treat sprains, swellings, and inflammation.
Camphor also was used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for various purposes.
Camphor has also been used in India since ancient times.
Pharmacology
Camphor is a parasympatholytic agent which acts as a non-competitive nicotinic antagonist at nAChRs.
Camphor is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, perfumes and fragrances, air care products, biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products), inks and toners, fuels and polishes and waxes. Other release to the environment of Camphor is likely to occur from: indoor use as processing aid, outdoor use as processing aid, indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters) and outdoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids).
Camphor is used in the following products: coating products, fuels, air care products, polishes and waxes and washing & cleaning products.
Camphor is used for the manufacture of: chemicals.
Other release to the environment of Camphor is likely to occur from: indoor use as processing aid, outdoor use as processing aid, indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters) and outdoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids).
Camphor is used in the following products: laboratory chemicals, coating products, inks and toners, fuels and perfumes and fragrances.
Camphor has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Release to the environment of Camphor can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures.
Camphor is used in the following products: polymers, fuels and washing & cleaning products.
Camphor has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Camphor is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
Camphor is used for the manufacture of: chemicals.
Release to the environment of Camphor can occur from industrial use: as processing aid, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates) and of substances in closed systems with minimal release.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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%.
Camphor appears as 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.
Camphor Oil is the oil extracted from the wood of the Camphor tree Cinnamomum Camphora.
Camphor oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is used for its aromatic properties, as an insect repellant, in embalming fluids, and in various topical skin preparations.
Camphor is a cyclic monoterpene ketone that is bornane bearing an oxo substituent at position 2.
A naturally occurring monoterpenoid.
It has a role as a plant metabolite.
It is a bornane monoterpenoid and a cyclic monoterpene ketone.
Physical Description
D-camphor appears as colorless or white crystals.
Sublimes. Flash point 149°F. Burns readily with a bright, smoky flame.
Penetrating aromatic odor. Pungent, aromatic taste followed by a sensation of cold.
L-camphor appears as colorless or white crystals. Fragrant and penetrating odor. Slightly bitter and cooling taste. Odor index at 68° F: 40.
Flash point 149°F.
Burns with a bright, smoky flame. Sublimes appreciably at room temperature and pressure; 14% sublimes within 60 minutes at 176°F and 12 mm Hg. (
Color/Form
Colorless or white crystals, granules, or crystalline masses; or as colorless to white, translucent, tough masses
Use and Manufacturing
Household & Commercial/Institutional Products
• Auto Products
• Commercial / Institutional
• Hobby/Craft
• Inside the Home
• Personal Care
• Pet Care
Uses
• Agent for soaking up liquid
• Adhesion of molecules to a surface
• Relating to agricultural, including the raising and farming of animals and growing of crops
• Related to animals (but non-veterinary) e.g., animal husbandry, farming of animals/animal production, raising of animals for food or fur, animal feed, products for household pets
• Products used on crops, or related to the growing of crops
• Air cleaners and anti-odor agents, air purifiers, air conditioners, air filters, general air care products
• Antifreezing agents, or de-icing products
• Related to food and beverage service activities
• Modifier used for chemical, when chemical is used in a laboratory
• Related to all forms of cleaning/washing, including cleaning products used in the home, laundry detergents, soaps, de-greasers, spot removers, etc; modifiers included when specific information is known, such as drycleaning, laundry, soap, window/floor, etc
• Drug product, or related to the manufacturing of drugs
• Related to carpets/rugs, the manufacturing of carpets, carpet detergents
• Flooring materials (carpets, wood, vinyl flooring), or related to flooring such as wax or polish for floors
• Pharmaceutical related
• Stain and spot removers
• Term used for colorants, dyes, or pigments; includes colorants for drugs, textiles, personal care products (cosmetics, tatoo inks, hair dye), food colorants, and inks for printing
• Veterinary activities or veterinary drugs
• Explosives and pyrotechnics
• Laundry products (such as cleaning/washing agents), or laundry facilities
• Includes spices, extracts, colorings, flavors, etc added to food for human consumption
• Includes antifoaming agents, coagulating agents, dispersion agents, emulsifiers, flotation agents, foaming agents, viscosity adjustors, etc
• General flavoring agents used in foods, including condiments and seasonings
• Includes food packaging, paper plates, cutlery, small appliances such as roasters, etc.; does not include facilities that manufacture food
• Residues found in food, typically from drugs or pesticides
• Fragrances or odor agents, can be used in home products (cleaners, laundry products, air fresheners) or similar industrial products
• Related to the activity of hunting
• Home air fresheners
• Generic lubricants, lubricants for engines, brake fluids, oils, etc
• Non-metallic mineral products and their manufacture
• Personal care products, including cosmetics, shampoos, perfumes, soaps, lotions, toothpastes, etc
• Fragrance used as a personal care product
It was used in two-phase based hollow fibre liquid-phase microextraction procedure for migration analysis of food packagings containing essential oils.
Camphor was used in the synthesis of single-walled nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition.
Industry Uses: Odor agents
Consumer Uses
• Air care products
• Cleaning and furnishing care products
• Laundry and dishwashing products
• Non-TSCA use
• Paper products
• Personal care products
• Plastic and rubber products not covered elsewhere
Methods of Manufacturing
Steam distillation of camphor-tree wood and crystallization.
This product is called natural camphor and is dextrorotatory.
Synthetic camphor, most of which is optically inactive, may be made from pinene, which is converted into camphene; by treatment with acetic acid and nitrobenzene it becomes camphor, turpentine oil is also used.
Natural camphor is obtained by distillation from the plants of Cinnamomum or Laurus camphora from China and Japan, together with corresponding essential oils; the raw camphor contains several impurities.
It is separated from the water and the essential oil by pressure or by centrifugation and subsequently purified by sublimation or crystallization.
General Manufacturing Information
Industry Processing Sectors
• All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
• Fragrances
• Plastic material and resin manufacturing
• Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing
IDENTIFICATION AND USE:
Camphor is a solid, translucent, white crystal with penetrating aromatic odor used as a rubefacient/counter-irritant medication.
It is also used in liniments as a counter-irritant for fibromyalgia, neuralgia, and similar conditions. In dermatology, when it is applied as lotion (0.1 to 3%), it is an anti-pruritic and surface anesthetic (when applied gently, it creates a feeling of coolness).
Camphor is no longer used as a pesticide in the US.
Other uses of camphor include insect repellant use (particularly to control clothes moths); cosmetic ingredient.
Camphor used to be made by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree.
Today, camphor is usually manufactured from turpentine oil.
It is used in products such as Vicks VapoRub.
People apply camphor to the skin to relieve pain and reduce itching.
It is also applied to the skin on the neck and chest so that it can be breathed in to reduce the urge to cough.
It is also used for other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support other uses of camphor.
Oral camphor is unsafe.
It is also important not to apply camphor to broken skin, because it can enter the body quickly and reach concentrations that are high enough to cause poisoning.
How does Camphor work ?
Camphor seems to stimulate nerve endings that relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin.
Camphor is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails.
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is a terpene (organic compound) that’s commonly used in creams, ointments, and lotions.
Camphor oil is the oil extracted from the wood of camphor trees and processed by steam distillation.
It can be used topically to relieve pain, irritation, and itching.
Camphor is also used to relieve chest congestion and inflammatory conditions.
It has a strong odor and taste and is easily absorbed through the skin.
Camphor is currently made out of turpentine, but it’s still safe to use as long as you use it correctly.
It has the potential for side effects, especially if you use it in high doses.
Never take camphor internally or apply it to broken skin, as it can be toxic.
What is camphor used for?
Camphor has a wide variety of topical uses due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can be used to treat skin conditions, improve respiratory function, and relieve pain. Continue reading to learn more about the different uses for camphor and its supporting scientific evidence.
Camphor for skin
Lotions and creams containing camphor can be used to relieve skin irritation and itchiness and may help to improve the overall appearance of skin.
It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it useful in healing infections.
A 2015Trusted Source animal study found camphor to be effective in treating wounds and ultraviolet light-induced wrinkles, making it a potential ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics.
This may be due to its ability to increase elastin and collagen production. Use a camphor cream on the area you’d like to treat at least once per day.
Relieves pain
Applying camphor to the skin helps to relieve pain and inflammation.
A small 2015Trusted Source study found that a spray containing natural ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and essential oils of clove and eucalyptus was effective in relieving mild to moderate pain. The spray was applied to the joints, shoulders, and lower back for a period of 14 days.
You may feel a tingling, warming, or cooling sensation when you use camphor products. Apply a camphor spray or ointment to the affected area several times per day.
Heals burns
Camphor balms and creams can be used to heal burn wounds.
A 2018Trusted Source animal study found that an ointment containing camphor, sesame oil, and honey decreased the healing time for second-degree burn wounds and was found to be more beneficial than using Vaseline.
To use, apply an ointment to the affected area once a day.
Treats arthritis
Camphor products such as Icy Hot and Biofreeze may be effective in relieving pain, inflammation, and swelling due to arthritis.
The hot or cold sensations that arise after application of these creams may distract you from the pain.
Camphor has also been shown Trusted Source to have anti-inflammatory effects in animal models that are useful in treating arthritis.
To use, apply the camphor cream to any affected areas several times per day.
Treats toenail fungus
The antifungal properties of camphor make it beneficial in treating toenail fungus.
Research from 2011 found that using Vicks VapoRub, which contains camphor as well as menthol and eucalyptus oil, was effective in treating toenail fungus.
In the study, 15 of 18 people showed positive results after using the ointment for 48 weeks.
To use, apply Vicks VapoRub to the affected toenails a few times per day.
Relieves congestion and coughing
Camphor oil works as a decongestant and cough suppressant. According to a 2010 study, vapor rub was most effective in relieving night cough, congestion, and sleep difficulty in children with upper respiratory tract infections.
To use, place 2 teaspoons of Vicks VapoRub in a bowl of hot water.
Hold your head over the bowl and cover your head with a towel as you inhale the vapors.
You can also apply the balm to your chest or feet and then cover them with socks.
Avoid putting it in or around your nostrils.
Antispasmodic
Camphor products may also be used as a muscle rub.
It may help to relieve muscle cramps, spasms, and stiffness.
A 2004 study found that camphor has antispasmodic and relaxant properties.
To use, massage a muscle rub such as Bengay onto your sore muscles a few times a day.
Other uses
Scientific research is limited for some of the purported uses for camphor and the evidence is largely anecdotal.
Camphor oil may also be used to treat:
hair loss
acne
warts
earaches
cold sores
hemorrhoids
heart disease symptoms
poor blood circulation
flatulence
anxiety
depression
muscle spasms
low libido
Camphor is a volatile terpenoid that can be used as a flavoring agent and a fragrance ingredient.
It has been identified as the major volatile component in the essential oil extracted from the leaves of Blumea balsamifera and Ashe juniper.
Color/Appearance: Color can be highly variable depending on species and growing conditions; generally a light brown, frequently with shades of gray, red, or olive green.
Occasionally contains darker streaks.
Paler sapwood isn’t always clearly differentiated from the heartwood.
Burls are also commonly seen, and are considered highly decorative.
Grain/Texture: Grain can be straight, interlocked, and/or wavy.
Uniform medium texture with a high natural luster and a slightly greasy feel.
Endgrain: Semi-ring porous or diffuse-porous; solitary and radial multiples; medium to large pores (two distinct sizes in semi-ring-porous samples) in no specific arrangement, few; tyloses occasionally present; parenchyma vasicentric, confluent; medium-width rays, spacing normal.
Rot Resistance: Rated as durable, with mixed resistance to various insect attacks.
Odor: Camphor has a very characteristic odor, for which the tree is named. The most recognizable product that contains the extracts of camphor are medicated chest rubs, which have the same distinct scent.
Workability: Camphor’s moderate density makes it easy to shape and machine with minimal effort. Areas of interlocked grain may cause tearout issues, but complications are usually minimal.
Glues and finishes well.
Common Uses: Veneer, turned objects, chests, cabinetry, and furniture.
Perhaps known more famously for its beautiful burls, Camphor is also cultivated for its aromatic oils, which are used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications.
In addition to its medicinal values, the lingering scent of Camphor is also reported to inhibit silver from tarnishing and ward off moths, and the wood is sometimes used in trunks and chests where valuables are stored.
Aromatherapy Uses
Camphor was traditionally worn around the neck to ward off evil spirits, infectious diseases and to strengthen the heart.
Used sparingly it is used in massage for softening aching and tight muscles and relieving a stiff neck.
Add a few drops of Camphor Essential Oil to a cotton ball or piece of tissue and place in the hem of a curtain, blinds or window opening to repel insects, flies and moths.
Skin Uses
Tightens and cleanses the skin.
Hair Uses
Good for freshening hair in scent
Therapeutic Properties
Camphor essential oil has traditionally been associated with relieving minor sprains and soothing stiff necks.
Basil Blends well with
Angelica, Bergamot, Birch, Cardamom, Clove, Geranium, Immortelle, Lavender, Myrtle, Niouli, Nutmeg, Rose, Rosewood, Thyme
IUPAC NAMES:
(1R,4R)-1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
-bornan-2-one
1,7,7-TRIMETHYL-BICYCLO[2.2.1]HEPTAN-2-ONE
1,7,7-Trimethyl-Bicyclo[2.2.1]Heptan-2-one
1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-one
1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo(2.2.1)-2 heptanone
1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-6-one
1,7,7-Trimethyll-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
1,7.7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
4,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-3-one
4.7.7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-3-one
Bicyclo[2.2.1]Heptan-2-One, 1,7,7-Trimethyl-
Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-
Bornan-2-one
bornan-2-one
CAMPHOR
Camphor
camphor
Camphor
DL-bornan-2-one
Kampfer
SYNONYMS:
CAMPHOR SQUARES SYNTHETIC TECHNICAL
CAMPHOR SYNTHETIC FLAKES
CAMPHOR SYNTHETIC POWDER
CAMPHOR TECH. GRADE
1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo(2.2.1)heptan-2-on
1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone (camphor)
1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-on
1,7,7-trimethyl-norcampho
2-Bornanone
2-Camphanonoe
2-Camphonone
2-Kamfanon
2-Keto-1,7,7-trimethylnorcamphane
2-oxo-bornan
2-oxobornane
Bicyclo[2,2,1]heptan-2-one,1,7,7-trimethyl-
Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-
Camphor Ep5
METHYLBENZYLIDENE
CHINESENASALOIL
1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone
1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
1,7,7-Trimethylnorcamphor
2-CAMPHOR
2-Camphanone
Bornan-2-one
Caladryl
Camphor
Radian B
DL-CAMPHOR USP
CAMPHOR SPIRITS USP
(±)-Camphor, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
DL-Camphor,98%
DL-Camphor,96%
Ordinary camphor 1,7,7-Trimethyl bicyclo(2,2,1)-2-heptanone
Camphor,(±)-Camphor, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
(à)-Camphor
DL-CaMphor, 96% 1KG
(+/-)-CaMphor puruM, synthetic, >=95.0% (GC)
(+/-)-Camphor meets analytical specification of Ph.Eur., BP, >=95% (GC), racemic
Synthetic camphor powder
refined camphor powder
DL-Camphor for synthesis
Alphanon
Camphor (8CI)
CAMPHORATEDMETACRESOL
bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one,1,7,7,-trimethyl-,(±)-
bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one,1,7,7-trimethyl-
Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-one, 1,7,7-trimethyl-
Bornane, 2-oxo-
camphanone
camphor,natural
camphor--natural
camphre
component of Campho-phenique
component of Campho-phenique cold sore gel
component of Campho-phenique liquid
component of Heet
