Camphor

Camphor, also known as 1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo(2,2,1)heptan-2-one, d-camphor, d-(+)-camphor, (+)-2-bornanone, or d-2-bornanone, has the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₆O.

Camphor is a white transparent waxy crystalline solid with a strong penetrating pungent aromatic odor. It is found in wood of the camphor laurel, Cinnamomum camphora, which is a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Borneo, hence its alternate name); it can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine.

Modern uses include as a plasticizer for cellulose nitrate, as a moth repellent, in embalming, and in fireworks. Historically it has been used in medicine. In 1980, the Food and Drug Administration set a limit of 11% allowable camphor in consumer products and totally banned products labeled as camphorated oil, camphor oil, camphor liniment, and camphorated liniment. Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of warmth and acts as slight local anesthetic; however, it is poisonous and can cause seizures, mental confusion, irritability, and neuromuscular hyperactivity. Since alternative treatments exist, medicinal use of camphor is disparaged.

Other products derived from trees are sometimes sold, wrongly, as camphor.

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