Title: Camphor
CAS Registry Number: 76-22-2
CAS Name: 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
Synonyms: 2-bornanone; 2-camphanone; 2-keto-1,7,7-trimethylnorcamphane; gum camphor; Japan camphor; Formosa camphor; laurel camphor
Molecular Formula: C10H16O
Molecular Weight: 152.23
Percent Composition: C 78.90%, H 10.59%, O 10.51%
Literature References: Naturally occuring in both the d- and l-forms; orginally obtained commercially as the d-form from the camphor tree,
Cinnamomum camphora T. Nees & Ebermeier,
Lauraceae. Primarily manufactured from pinene as the racemate. History of isolation and production of natural and synthetic forms: I. Gubelmann, H. W. Elley,
Ind. Eng. Chem. 26, 589 (1934); J. M. Derfer, M. M. Derfer in
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology vol. 23 (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 4th ed., 1997) pp 865-866. Enantiomeric composition in oils of coriander, sage, and basil: F. Tateo
et al., Anal. Commun. 36, 149 (1999). GC determn in human plasma: J. S. Valdez
et al., J. Chromatogr. B 729, 163 (1999); in pharmaceutical formulation: E. Gonzálea-Penas
et al., Chromatographia 52, 245 (2000).
Review: Camphor and Camphor Containing Products (PB293503, 1979) 65 pp; J. S. Mossa, M. M. A. Hassan,
Anal. Profiles Drug Subs. 13, 28-93 (1984). Review of use as starting material for syntheses: T. Money,
Org. Synth. 3, 1-83 (1996).
Properties: White or colorless crystals or crystalline masses; also colorless to white translucent masses. Characteristic fragrant and penetrating odor. Pungent, aromatic taste. d425 0.992. mp 179°. bp101.3 kPa 209°. Volatilizes slowly. uv max (CHCl3): 292 nm. At 25° one gram dissolves in about 800 ml water, in 1 ml alcohol, 1 ml ether, 0.5 ml chloroform. Freely sol in carbon disulfide, petr. benzin, fixed and volatile oils. Also sol in concd mineral acids, in phenol, in liquid NH3 and in liquid SO2. LD50 orally in mice: 1.3 g/kg (PB293505).
Melting point: mp 179°
Boiling point: bp101.3 kPa 209°
Absorption maximum: uv max (CHCl3): 292 nm
Density: d425 0.992
Toxicity data: LD50 orally in mice: 1.3 g/kg (PB293505)
Derivative Type: D-Form
CAS Registry Number: 464-49-3
Synonyms: (1
R)-(+)-Camphor
Properties: Colorless, transparent crystals, mp 179.8°, sublimes 204°. [a]D25 +41 to +43° (c = 10 in U.S.P. alcohol) according to U.S.P. specif.
Melting point: mp 179.8°, sublimes 204°
Optical Rotation: [a]D25 +41 to +43° (c = 10 in U.S.P. alcohol) according to U.S.P. specif
Derivative Type: L-Form
CAS Registry Number: 464-48-2
Synonyms: (1
S)-(-)-Camphor
Derivative Type: Spirit of Camphor
Literature References: A soln of camphor in alcohol contg 10 g camphor per 100 ml soln.
Properties: Colorless liquid; camphor odor.
CAUTION: Potential symptoms of overexposure to synthetic camphor are irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; headache, dizziness, confusion, vertigo, excitement, restlessness, delerium, hallucinations; epileptic convulsions; CNS depression, coma.
See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140, 1997) p 48;
Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products, R. E. Gosselin
et al., Eds. (Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 5th ed., 1984) Section III, pp 84-86.
Use: Starting reagent for organic syntheses. Used as an odorant and flavorant and as a moth repellant. Plasticizer in cosmetics and as a preservative.
Therap-Cat: Topical analgesic; topical antipruritic.
Therap-Cat-Vet: Has been used internally as a stimulant and carminative; externally as an antipruritic, counterirritant and antiseptic.
Keywords: Antipruritic.