Camphor Formula

Carbon is a nonmetallic, tetravalent element that is of great use to humans. Its name is derived from Latin carbo which means charcoal or ember. Even though carbon is only 0.025% of the earth’s crust and 0.03% in the atmosphere it is of great importance to mankind. Carbon’s abundance in the earth’s core and the atmosphere is high.  The ability of carbon to form polymer at normal temperature is the reason it is commonly found in all living forms. The largest source of inorganic carbon is limestones, dolomite, etc.

What is Camphor?

It is a flammable, transparent, waxy solid which produces a strong aroma. The chemical formula of Camphor is C₆H₁₆O. It is extracted from the wood of a tree called Camphor Laurel. Camphor Laurel is an evergreen tree from the forest of eastern Asia. Camphor basil is a major source of camphor in Asia. Camphor can be synthetically produced from the oil of turpentine. It is mainly used for its smell, as tropical medicine, and in some religious ceremonies.

Production of Camphor

• Camphor is naturally produced by trees and is processed for commercial use.
• Methylation with methyl iodide and a complicated reduction procedure produced camphor.
• Camphor can be produced from alpha-pinene. It is present in coniferous trees. 

Structure of Camphor

Camphor is made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The chemical formula of Camphor is C₆H₁₆O. It is a bicyclic monoterpene ketone. It is colorless in nature and it is a waxy colorless solid. It is highly flammable. It has a very strong smell. The smell of camphor is similar to that of a mothball. The IUPAC name of Camphor is 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one. It belongs to a category of organic compounds called terpenoid ketones.

 

Physical Properties of Camphor

• The molecular formula of camphor is C₆H₁₆O.
• It is mostly found as a white waxy solid.
• The molecular weight of camphor is 154 amu.
• The density of camphor is 0.992
• Camphor has a pungent aromatic taste.
• It has a mothball-like smell.

Chemical Properties of Camphor

• The boiling point of Camphor is around 177 ⁰ C.
• The melting point of camphor is 209⁰ C.
• It is soluble in oils, and ethanol but not in Water.
• When Camphor reacts with Bromine in the presence of sulfuric acid, it undergoes bromination to produce (+)-9-bromocamphor and (-)-9-bromocamphor.

 

• When camphor undergoes oxidation it produces dicarboxylic acid known as camphoria.

 

Uses of Camphor

• It is an important ingredient of many creams or rubs whose aim is to reduce pain caused by insect bites, cold sores, minor burns, etc. 
• It helps reduce fungal infections.
• It is sometimes used as a food additive to enhance the flavor of the food.
• It is used for some religious purposes.
• Camphor is used to reduce pains caused by arthritis.
• Camphor can be used as a cough suppressant.
• Camphor can be used as a muscle rub to reduce muscle cramps.

Health Hazards of Camphor

• When Camphor comes in direct contact with the eyes it causes irritation.
• Inhaling of camphor acid can cause irritation in the nose and throat which leads to a cough.
• Continues Exposure to a high quantity of camphor causes Unconsciousness or even death.
• High Exposure to camphor may cause Kidney damage and has adverse effects on the nervous system. 

FAQs on Camphor

Question 1: What is camphor?

Answer:

It is a waxy solid which produces a strong aroma. It is flammable and transparent. The chemical formula of Camphor is C₆H₁₆O. It is found in some trees of the laurel family. Camphor laurel is an evergreen tree from the forest of eastern Asia. It is extracted from the wood of a tree called camphor laurel. 

Question 2: Briefly explain the structure of Camphor.

Answer:

Camphor is made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The chemical formula of Camphor is C₆H₁₆O. It has a very strong smell, it is similar to that of a mothball. The IUPAC name of Camphor is 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one.

Question 3: What can Camphor be used for? Does it have any pain relieving properties? 

Answer:

It is an important ingredient of many creams or rubs whose aim is to reduce pain caused by insect bites, cold sores, minor burns, etc. It is used for some religious purposes. It is sometimes used as a food additive to enhance the flavor of the food. 

Question 4: Explain some of the processes of production of camphor.

Answer:

Camphor Basil is a major source of camphor in Asia.  Methylation with methyl iodide and a complicated reduction procedure produced camphor. Camphor can be produced from alpha-pinene. It is present in coniferous trees.  Camphor can be synthetically produced from the oil of turpentine.

Question 5: List some of the physical characteristics of camphor.

Answer:

• The molecular formula of camphor is C₆H₁₆O. 
• It is a white waxy solid. 
• The molecular weight of camphor is 154 amu. 
• It has a pungent aromatic taste and it smells like a mothball

Question 6: What are the unique chemical properties of Camphor?

Answer: 

The boiling point of Camphor is around 177 ^o C. When Camphor reacts with Bromine in the presence of sulfuric acid, it undergoes bromination to produce (+)-9-bromocamphor and (-)-9-bromocamphor.

Question 7: Is Camphor safe for use?

Answer: 

Camphor may not be totally safe for use. High exposure to camphor may cause Kidney damage and has adverse effects on the nervous system. When Camphor comes in direct contact with the eyes it causes irritation.