Camphor
[CAS# 76-22-2]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Cyclic hydrocarbon
• Name: Camphor
• Synonyms: 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone; 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one; 1,7,7-Trimethylnorcamphor; 2-Camphanone; Bornan-2-one; Caladryl; Radian B; DL-Camphor
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₆O
• Molecular Weight: 152.23
• CAS Registry Number: 76-22-2
• EC Number: 200-945-0
• SMILES: CC1(C2CCC1(C(=O)C2)C)C

Properties

• Solubility: 0.12 g/100 mL (water, 25 °C), soluble (alcohols, ether, chloroform, benzene) (Expl.)
• Density: 0.992 g/mL (25 °C) (Expl/)
• Melting point: 179 °C (Expl.)
• ajpha: 23 ° (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 204 °C (Expl.)
• Flash point: 64 °C (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS07;GHS08 Danger
• Risk Statements: H228-H302-H315-H332-H371-H373
• Safety Statements: P210-P240-P241-P260-P261-P264-P270-P271-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P308+P316-P317-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Flammable solids	Flam. Sol.	2	H228
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	2	H371
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	2	H373
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1A	H360
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Flammable solids	Flam. Sol.	1	H228
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	2	H330
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319
Germ cell mutagenicity	Muta.	2	H341

• Transport Information: UN 2717

Discovery and Applications

Camphor is a terpene-based compound that has been used for centuries, with its first documented use dating back to ancient civilizations. It is derived from the wood of the camphor tree, *Cinnamomum camphora*, a tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly China and Japan. Camphor is a white, crystalline substance with a strong odor, and its chemical structure includes a bicyclic monoterpene framework. It is soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform but is insoluble in water.

The discovery of camphor as a useful substance can be traced back to its first recorded use in Chinese medicine, where it was utilized for its medicinal properties. By the 10th century, camphor was known in the Middle East, and its use spread to Europe during the Renaissance. The compound was originally obtained through the distillation of the camphor tree, although today it can be synthesized chemically, often from turpentine or through other processes.

Camphor has a broad range of applications, both in medicine and in other industries. One of the earliest and most well-known uses of camphor was in the treatment of ailments like coughs and colds. It has been used in topical ointments and creams for its cooling and soothing effects. Camphor acts as a counterirritant, meaning it causes irritation in the skin, which leads to a feeling of cooling and pain relief. This property makes it a common ingredient in topical analgesics used for muscle and joint pain relief, as well as in products designed to treat minor burns and insect bites.

In addition to its use as an analgesic, camphor is also employed in the treatment of respiratory conditions. It is a common ingredient in cough syrups, inhalants, and chest rubs due to its ability to act as a mild expectorant, helping to loosen mucus and ease breathing. Camphor's aromatic qualities also contribute to its effectiveness in these applications.

In the pharmaceutical industry, camphor has been used in various topical formulations, including balms and ointments, for its ability to relieve pain and inflammation. It is also utilized in products designed to reduce itching, such as those used to treat rashes or other skin conditions.

Beyond its medicinal uses, camphor has applications in other industries. In the plastics industry, it is used as a plasticizer in the production of celluloid, which is one of the first synthetic plastics. Camphor is also used as a solvent in certain lacquers and varnishes. Its strong, characteristic smell makes it useful in mothballs and insect repellents, where it is used to deter pests from infesting stored clothing and fabrics.

Camphor is also utilized in aromatherapy for its purported calming and stress-relieving effects. It is sometimes included in essential oil blends and used in massages or inhaled as part of a therapeutic regimen. Despite these benefits, camphor should be used with caution, especially in children, as excessive amounts can be toxic. Ingesting large amounts can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, and in severe cases, it can lead to convulsions or even death.

In summary, camphor is a versatile compound with a wide array of applications, particularly in medicine and the chemical industry. Its long history of use in traditional and modern medicine highlights its importance as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory aid. Although camphor remains a popular and effective substance, its use requires care to avoid toxicity, especially in higher concentrations.

References

2025. Synthesis of a new camphor-derived carboxylesterase-activated fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of dimethoate residues in agricultural products and its applications in biological systems. Food Chemistry, 667(1).
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141625

2025. Embryonal exposure to 4-methylbenzylidene camphor induces reproduction impairment in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology, 276(1).
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.110051

2024. A review on botany, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology and conservation status of Pinus gerardiana Wall. ex D. Don- The “elixir of life”. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 71(8).
DOI: 10.1007/s10722-024-02293-9