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Camphor is an organic compound i.e., a type of terpene that is widely used in the manufacturing of body lotions, creams, etc.
- In terms of chemistry, it is a cyclic monoterpene ketone with the molecular formula C10H16O.
- The IUPAC name of camphor is 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1] heptane-2-one.
- It is a colorless, odorless, flammable compound that possesses a strong aroma.
- Due to this reason, it finds a wide range of applications as incense and as medicinal.
- It is also referred to as “2-Camphanone”.
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Key Terms: Camphor, Organic compound, IUPAC name, Chemical reactions, Cinnamomum camphora, Alpha-pinene, Chemical formula, Terpenoid ketones, Camphor formula
Structure of Camphor
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Camphor is composed of three elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Camphor has the chemical formula C6H16O.
- It is classified as a bicyclic monoterpene ketone.
- It is a waxy colorless solid that is colorless in nature.
- It is extremely flammable.
- It has a really strong odor.
- Camphor has a smell similar to that of a mothball.
- Camphor's IUPAC name is 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one.
- It belongs to a category of organic compounds called terpenoid ketones.
Properties of Camphor
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The physical and chemical properties of Camphor are listed below:
| Chemical Formula | C10H16O |
| Appearance | White, translucent crystals |
| Odour | Strong (like a mothball) |
| Colour | Colourless/Light white |
| Melting Point | 175-177°C |
| Boiling Point | 209°C |
| Density | 0.992 g/cm3 |
| Molecular Weight | 152.24g/mol |
| Flammability | Flammable |
It also exhibits a solid-liquid equilibrium in the form:
Camphor (solid) ⇔ Camphor (vapour)
Camphor reacts with numerous elements and undergoes multiple reactions that include:
- Bromination Reaction: The KBr and KBrO3 mixture leads to the bromination reaction of camphor in the presence of HRr/NaBr - H+ and H2O2/ozone as an oxidizing agent.
- Oxidation with nitric acid: Camphoric Acid C10H16O
Read More: Difference Between Acids and Bases
Extraction of Camphor Oil
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Due to its strong aromatic smell, Camphor is widely used as an oil.
- Camphor oil is obtained by steam distillation from the wood chips of the camphor tree, its roots, and its branches.
- Camphor tree is also known as Cinnamomum camphora which is mostly found in China, Korea, and Taiwan.
- At the completion of the distillation process, the extract is rectified in a vacuum atmosphere and then filter pressed to attain camphor oil.
Production of Camphor
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Below are the processes of the production of Natural and Synthetic Camphor
Natural Camphor
For ages, camphor has been produced as a forest product, condensed from the vapor released by burning Camphora officinarum wood chips, and subsequently by passing steam through the crushed wood and condensing the vapors.
- By the early nineteenth century, most camphor tree reserves had been exhausted, with the remaining large stands concentrated in Japan and Taiwan, with Taiwanese production much greater than Japanese.
- Camphor was one of the most important and profitable resources extracted by Taiwan's colonial powers.
Synthetic Camphor
Camphor is produced from alpha-pinene, which is plentiful in coniferous tree oils and can be distilled from turpentine, a byproduct of chemical pulping.
- Alpha-pinene is converted to isobornyl acetate using acetic acid as the solvent and catalysis by a strong acid.
- When this ester is hydrolyzed, isoborneol is produced, which can then be oxidized to produce racemic camphor.
- Camphor, on the other hand, occurs naturally as D-camphor, the (R)-enantiomer.
Read more:
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Applications of Camphor
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Camphor finds a diverse range of applications in the real world. Some of it is included in the list given below
- In the field of medicines, camphor is used to bring about a cooling effect in the body
- It is used as a local anesthetic and an antimicrobial product
- It is a prime ingredient in gels that are antipruritic (that prevents itching)
- It is used as a moth-repellent
- It is used as an antimicrobial agent
- It is a component of fireworks
- It is added as a plasticizer for nitrocellulose
- It is used to protect multiple tools from rusting
- It is used in times of worship in the Hindu culture
Read Also: Acids, Bases, and Salts Revision Notes
Side Effects of Camphor
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Despite having a wide spectrum of applications, camphor can turn out to be poisonous when ingested even in small quantities.
- It can cause irritation, perplexity, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and also seizures.
- Just 2 grams of camphor can be lethal, especially for adults.
- It is advised not to heat balms containing camphor because it can cause a fire or explode.
- Also, if undiluted camphor products are applied to the skin, it can cause redness and a burning sensation.
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Things to Remember
- Camphor is an organic compound with the chemical formula C10H16O.
- Its IUPAC name is 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2-one
- Camphor exists as an enantiomer that has both ‘L’ and ‘D’ forms
- Due to its strong aroma, it finds its applications as an incense and in perfumery
- It is widely used as a medicine due to its anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties.
Sample Questions
Ques. What is camphor? (2 Marks)
Ans. Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is an organic compound (terpene) that is often used in creams, ointments, and lotions. Camphor oil is an oil obtained by steam distillation from the wood of camphor trees.
Ques. Explain some of the processes of production of camphor. (2 Marks)
Ans. The major source of camphor in Asia is camphor Basil. Camphor is produced by methyl iodide methylation and a complex reduction procedure. Alpha-pinene can be used for the production of camphor. It can be found in coniferous plants. Camphor can be produced synthetically from turpentine oil.
Ques. What is the nature of camphor, acidic or basic? What are the side effects of camphor? (5 Marks)
Ans. Camphor is acidic in nature. This is proved by the fact that when camphor is oxidized, it leads to the formation of an acid which is known as the camphoric acid.
Despite having a wide spectrum of applications, camphor can turn out to be poisonous when ingested even in small quantities.
- It can cause irritation, perplexity, vomiting, abdominal cramps and also seizures.
- Just 2 grams of camphor can be lethal, especially for adults.
- It is advised not to heat balms containing camphor because it can cause a fire or explode.
- Also, if undiluted camphor products are applied to the skin, it can cause redness and a burning sensation.
Ques. Can camphor be absorbed by the human body? (2 Marks)
Ans. Yes, camphor can be absorbed by the human body. It gets absorbed by the skin and also the gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, it is advised not to apply camphor to the body in large quantities because it can cause multiple side effects including dizziness, vomiting, etc. Also, it should never be applied to broken skin for the same reason.
Ques. Mention some health benefits of camphor. (3 Marks)
Ans. Camphor is used as a medicine because it is known to stimulate nerve endings, therefore leading to relief from pain and irritation.
- It is also known to work against the elimination of fungi that can cause infections inside the body.
- Apart from this, camphor is used to treat hair loss, acne, cold sores, etc., and to purify air.
Ques. Find out the molecular mass of camphor (2 Marks)
Ans. The molecular formula of camphor is C10H16O.
Therefore, its molar mass is:
= ( 6 * 12.0107 ) + (12 * 1.0079) + 15.999
= 152.237 g/mol
Ques. Explain the sublimation reaction of camphor. (2 Marks)
Ans. A Sublimation reaction is the one in which a solid gets converted to gaseous state without melting to form a liquid. Camphor undergoes this reaction and gets directly converted to its vapour state when it is heated along with sodium chloride. This change is regarded as a physical change as no formation of any new substance is noticed in the process.
Ques. Sublimation of camphor is which type of process, endothermic or exothermic? (1 Mark)
Ans. Since the sublimation of camphor requires heat to get it converted from a solid state to a gaseous state, it is an endothermic process.
Ques. Camphor belongs to which category of compounds? (2 Marks)
Ans. Camphor belongs to a category of organic compound that are termed as terpenoid ketones. Camphor is hence a white, waxy substance whose melting point is about 175 - 177°C. Some other compounds in this category are salvinorin A, citral, menthol, etc.
Ques. Is it acceptable to drink water after having camphor? (2 Marks)
Ans. Yes, it is advised to drink water after having camphor. The reason behind this is that camphor is a highly volatile substance that can vaporize easily. It hence forms a layer over water that causes a cooling effect inside the body. It therefore is effective against acidity.
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