Camphor Formula

Camphor is an organic compound of penetrating, having a somewhat musty aroma. It is useful for many centuries as a component of incense and as a medicinal. In the modern era use of camphor is as a plasticizer for cellulose nitrate and as an insect repellent as for moths. This article will explain the Camphor Formula with examples. Let us begin it!

Camphor Formula

What is Camphor?

It is a bicyclic monoterpene ketone compound and it is found in plants like Cinnamomum Camphora. It is colorless to white waxy crystalline powder. Camphor is flammable and has a strong aroma such as a mothball-like smell. We may find its oil as extraction from the wood of camphor laurel. It has properties like anti-inflammatory, analgesic, an insect repellent, in various topical skin preparations, and in embalming fluids.

It occurs in the camphor laurel, and much common in China, Taiwan, and Japan. We may isolate it by passing steam through the pulverized wood and condensing the vapors. It then crystallizes from the oily portion of the distillate and is purified by the process of sublimation. Camphor belongs to a group of organic compounds which are terpenoid ketones. It melts at about 178 to 179 degrees C.

The molecular formula of Camphor:

\(C_6H_{12}O\)

Camphor is also termed as 2-Camphanone.

Uses:

It is widely used as a skin antipruritic, an anti-infective agent. Also useful as mothproofing, flavorings, and pharmaceuticals. Camphor is useful for making it by distilling the bark and wood of the camphor tree. This camphor is usually manufactured from the turpentine oil. For example, it is the main ingredient of products such as Vicks VapoRub.

Camphor products can be rubbed on the skin or inhaled as well. People are applying camphor to the skin to relieve pain and reduce itching. Some people tend to inhale camphor to reduce the urge to cough. There is some good evidence to support these uses. One can also apply Camphor to the skin for treating the toenail fungus, warts, insect bites, cold sores, and hemorrhoids. But there is no good scientific research available to support these other uses.

It is important to know that never apply camphor to the broken skin. This is because it can enter the body quickly and reach concentrations that are high enough to cause poisoning.

Properties:

The boiling point of Camphor is 209 degrees C and Melting point of Camphor 175 to 177 degree C.

Solved Examples on Camphor Formula

Q.1: How does Camphor work as beneficial for health? What are some common uses of it?

Solution: Camphor seems to stimulate the nerve endings which relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin. It is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails.

Scientific research is limited for some of the purported uses for camphor and there is the evidence of largely anecdotal. Camphor oil may also be used to treat the following problems:

• hair loss
• acne
• warts
• earaches
• cold sores
• hemorrhoids
• heart disease symptoms
• poor blood circulation
• flatulence
• anxiety
• depression
• muscle spasms
• low libido

Q.2: Calculate the molar mass of camphor.

Solution: Its formula is:

\(C_6H_{12}O\)

So, its molar mass is:

= \(6 \times 12.0107  +12 \times 1.00794 + 15.9994\)

= 152.237 gram per mol