Difference between revisions of "Camphor" - New World Encyclopedia

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|  Reference=<ref>''The Merck Index'', 7th edition, Merk & Co, Rahway, New Jersey, USA, 1960</ref><ref>''Handbook of Chemistry and Physics'', CRC Press, Ann Arbor, Michigan</ref>
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|  Reference=<ref>''The Merck index: an encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs, and biologicals'', Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck, 2001. ISBN 0911910131.</ref><ref>''Handbook of Chemistry and Physics'', Cleveland, Chemical Rubber Pub. Co. ISSN 0363-3055.</ref>
 
|  Name = Camphor
 
|  Name = Camphor
 
|  ImageFile = camphor structure.png
 
|  ImageFile = camphor structure.png
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'''Camphor''' is a waxy, white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor.<ref>J. Mann, R. S. Davidson, J. B. Hobbs, D. V. Banthorpe, J. B. Harborne, ''Natural Products'', pp. 309-311, Addison Wesley Longman Ltd., Harlow, UK, 1994. ISBN 0-582-06009-5</ref> It is a [[terpenoid]] with the [[chemical formula]] [[carbon|C]]<sub>10</sub>[[hydrogen|H]]<sub>16</sub>[[oxygen|O]].  It is found in wood of the '''camphor laurel''' ''([[Cinnamomum camphora]])'', a large [[evergreen]] tree found in Asia (particularly in [[Borneo]] and [[Taiwan]], hence its alternate name). It also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, notably ''[[Ocotea usambarensis]]''.  It can also be synthetically produced from oil of [[turpentine]]. It is used for its scent, as an ingredient in cooking (mainly in India), as an embalming fluid, in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. A major source of camphor in Asia is [[Ocimum kilimandscharicum|camphor basil]].
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'''Camphor''' is a waxy, white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor.<ref>J. Mann, R. S. Davidson, J. B. Hobbs, D. V. Banthorpe, J. B. Harborne, ''Natural Products'' (Addison Wesley Longman Ltd., Harlow, UK, 1994. ISBN 0582060095) 309-311.</ref> It is a [[terpenoid]] with the [[chemical formula]] [[carbon|C]]<sub>10</sub>[[hydrogen|H]]<sub>16</sub>[[oxygen|O]].  It is found in wood of the '''camphor laurel''' ''([[Cinnamomum camphora]])'', a large [[evergreen]] tree found in Asia (particularly in [[Borneo]] and [[Taiwan]], hence its alternate name). It also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, notably ''[[Ocotea usambarensis]]''.  It can also be synthetically produced from oil of [[turpentine]]. It is used for its scent, as an ingredient in cooking (mainly in India), as an embalming fluid, in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. A major source of camphor in Asia is [[Ocimum kilimandscharicum|camphor basil]].
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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==Uses==
 
==Uses==
Modern uses include as a plasticizer for [[cellulose nitrate]], as a [[mothball|moth repellent]], as an antimicrobial substance, in embalming, and in [[fireworks]]. Camphor crystals are also used to prevent damage to [[insect collecting|insect collections]] by other small insects. A form of [[antipruritic|anti-itch gel]] currently on the market uses camphor as its [[active ingredient]]. It is also used in [[medicine]]. Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of [[menthol]] and acts as slight local [[anesthetic]] and [[antimicrobial]] substance. Camphor is an active ingredient (along with menthol) in vapor-steam products, such as [[Vicks]] VapoRub, and it is effective as a cough suppressant.  It may also be administered orally in small quantities (50 mg) for minor heart symptoms and fatigue.<ref>[http://spc.nam.fi/indox/english/html/nam/humspc/1/90151.shtml National Agency for Medicines]</ref>
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Modern uses include as a plasticizer for [[cellulose nitrate]], as a [[mothball|moth repellent]], as an antimicrobial substance, in embalming, and in [[fireworks]]. Camphor crystals are also used to prevent damage to [[insect collecting|insect collections]] by other small insects. A form of [[antipruritic|anti-itch gel]] currently on the market uses camphor as its [[active ingredient]]. It is also used in [[medicine]]. Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of [[menthol]] and acts as slight local [[anesthetic]] and [[antimicrobial]] substance. Camphor is an active ingredient (along with menthol) in vapor-steam products, such as [[Vicks]] VapoRub, and it is effective as a cough suppressant.  It may also be administered orally in small quantities (50 mg) for minor heart symptoms and fatigue.<ref>[http://spc.nam.fi/indox/english/html/nam/humspc/1/90151.shtml Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Human medicinal products], National Agency for Medicines. In English and Finish. Retrieved December 15, 2007.</ref>
  
 
In the 17th Century, it was used by Auenbrugger in the treatment of [[mania]].{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
 
In the 17th Century, it was used by Auenbrugger in the treatment of [[mania]].{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
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Camphor is also used in the Mahashiva ratri celebrations of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction of evil. Its natural pitch substance burns cool without leaving an ash residue, which symbolizes the consciousness.
 
Camphor is also used in the Mahashiva ratri celebrations of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction of evil. Its natural pitch substance burns cool without leaving an ash residue, which symbolizes the consciousness.
  
Recently, [[carbon nanotubes]] were successfully synthesized using camphor in [[chemical vapor deposition]] process.<ref>Mukul Kumar, Yoshinori Ando, ''Carbon Nanotubes from Camphor: An Environment-Friendly Nanotechnology'', Journal of Physics: Conference Series 61 (2007) 643–646</ref>
+
Recently, [[carbon nanotubes]] were successfully synthesized using camphor in [[chemical vapor deposition]] process.<ref>Mukul Kumar, Yoshinori Ando, "Carbon Nanotubes from Camphor: An Environment-Friendly Nanotechnology", ''Journal of Physics: Conference Series'' 61 (2007): 643–646.</ref>
  
 
===Culinary===
 
===Culinary===
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[[Image:CamphorBiosynthesis.png|700px|center|Biosynthesis of camphor from geranyl pyrophosphate]]
 
[[Image:CamphorBiosynthesis.png|700px|center|Biosynthesis of camphor from geranyl pyrophosphate]]
  
==References==
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==Notes==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
*[http://www.naturaldatabase.com/ce/ceNDMono.aspx?mono_id=709&view=m Camphor Evidence-based Monograph] from ''Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database''
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*[http://www.naturaldatabase.com/ce/ceNDMono.aspx?mono_id=709&view=m Camphor Evidence-based Monograph], Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Retrieved December 15, 2007.
  
 
[[Category:Chemistry]]
 
[[Category:Chemistry]]
  
 
{{credits|172229401}}
 
{{credits|172229401}}

Revision as of 16:42, 15 December 2007

Camphor[1][2]
Camphor structure.png
IUPAC name 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo
[2.2.1]heptan-2-one
Other names 2-bornanone, 2-camphanone
bornan-2-one, Formosa
Identifiers
CAS number [76-22-2] (unspecified)
[464-49-3] ((1R)-Camphor)
[464-48-2] ((1S)-Camphor}
RTECS number EX1260000 (R)
EX1250000 (S)
SMILES O=C1CC2CCC1(C)C2(C)(C)
Properties
Molecular formula C10H16O
Molar mass 152.23
Appearance White or colorless crystals
Density 0.990 (solid)
Melting point

179.75 °C (452.9 K)

Boiling point

204 °C (477 K)

Solubility in water 0.12 g in 100 ml
Solubility in chloroform ~100 g in 100 ml
Chiral rotation [α]D +44.1°
Hazards
Main hazards flammable
NFPA 704

NFPA 704.svg

2
0
0
 
R-phrases 11-20/21/22-36/37/38
S-phrases 16-26-36
Related Compounds
Related ketone fenchone,thujone
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Camphor is a waxy, white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor.[3] It is a terpenoid with the chemical formula C10H16O. It is found in wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), a large evergreen tree found in Asia (particularly in Borneo and Taiwan, hence its alternate name). It also occurs in some other related trees in the laurel family, notably Ocotea usambarensis. It can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine. It is used for its scent, as an ingredient in cooking (mainly in India), as an embalming fluid, in religious ceremonies and for medicinal purposes. A major source of camphor in Asia is camphor basil.

History

The word camphor derives from the French word camphre, itself from Medieval Latin camfora, from Arabic kafur, from Malay kapur Barus meaning "Barus chalk." In fact Malay traders from whom Indian and Middle East merchants would buy camphor called it kapur, "chalk" because of its white colour [1]. Barus was the port on the western coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra where foreign traders would call to buy camphor. In the Indian language Sanskrit, the word 'karpoor' is used to denote Camphore. A south-Indian adaptation of this word, 'karpooram' has been used for camphor in many south-Indian/Dravidian languages (like Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam).

Camphor was first synthesized by Gustaf Komppa in 1903. Previously, some organic compounds (such as urea) had been synthesized in the laboratory as a proof of concept, but camphor was a scarce natural product with a worldwide demand. The synthesis was the first industrial total synthesis, when Komppa began industrial production in Tainionkoski, Finland, in 1907.

Norcamphor is a camphor derivative with the three methyl groups replaced by hydrogen.

Other substances deriving from trees are sometimes wrongly sold as camphor.

Camphor Trees are widely found in very deep jungles of Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala states in South India.

Uses

Modern uses include as a plasticizer for cellulose nitrate, as a moth repellent, as an antimicrobial substance, in embalming, and in fireworks. Camphor crystals are also used to prevent damage to insect collections by other small insects. A form of anti-itch gel currently on the market uses camphor as its active ingredient. It is also used in medicine. Camphor is readily absorbed through the skin and produces a feeling of cooling similar to that of menthol and acts as slight local anesthetic and antimicrobial substance. Camphor is an active ingredient (along with menthol) in vapor-steam products, such as Vicks VapoRub, and it is effective as a cough suppressant. It may also be administered orally in small quantities (50 mg) for minor heart symptoms and fatigue.[4]

In the 17th Century, it was used by Auenbrugger in the treatment of mania.[citation needed]

It is also believed that camphor will deter snakes and other reptiles due to its strong odor. Similarly, camphor is believed to be toxic to insects and is thus sometimes used as a repellent.[citation needed]

Camphor is also used in the Mahashiva ratri celebrations of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction of evil. Its natural pitch substance burns cool without leaving an ash residue, which symbolizes the consciousness.

Recently, carbon nanotubes were successfully synthesized using camphor in chemical vapor deposition process.[5]

Culinary

Currently, camphor is mostly used as a flavoring for sweets in Asia. In ancient and medieval Europe it was widely used as ingredient for sweets but it is now mainly used for medicinal purposes. Camphor was used as a flavoring in confections resembling ice cream in China during the Tang dynasty (A.D. 618-907).[citation needed] Camphor is widely used in cooking (mainly for desert dishes) in India where it is known as Pachha Karpooram (literally meaning "green camphor" though "Pachha" in Tamil can also be translated to mean "raw" which is "Pachha Karpooram's" intended meaning). It is widely available at Indian grocery stores and is labeled as "Edible Camphor." In Hindu poojas and ceremonies, camphor is burned in a ceremonial spoon for performing aarti. This type of camphor is also sold at Indian grocery stores but it is not suitable for cooking. The only type that should be used for food are those which are labeled as "Edible Camphor."

Toxicology

In larger quantities, it is poisonous when ingested and can cause seizures, confusion, irritability, and neuromuscular hyperactivity. In 1980, the United States 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 (but "white camphor essential oil" contains no significant amount of camphor). Since alternative treatments exist, medicinal use of camphor is discouraged by the FDA, except for skin-related uses, such as medicated powders, which contain only small amounts of camphor.

Reactions

Typical camphor reactions are:

  • bromination
Camphor-3-Brominecampher.png
Camphor-Camphor acid.png
  • conversion to isonitrosocamphor
Camphor-Isonitrosocamphor.png

Camphor can also be reduced to isoborneol using sodium borohydride.

Biosynthesis

In biosynthesis camphor is produced from geranyl pyrophosphate, via cyclisation of linaloyl pyrophosphate to bornyl pyrophosphate, followed by hydrolysis to borneol and oxidation to camphor.

Biosynthesis of camphor from geranyl pyrophosphate

Notes

  1. The Merck index: an encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs, and biologicals, Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck, 2001. ISBN 0911910131.
  2. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Cleveland, Chemical Rubber Pub. Co. ISSN 0363-3055.
  3. J. Mann, R. S. Davidson, J. B. Hobbs, D. V. Banthorpe, J. B. Harborne, Natural Products (Addison Wesley Longman Ltd., Harlow, UK, 1994. ISBN 0582060095) 309-311.
  4. Summaries of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Human medicinal products, National Agency for Medicines. In English and Finish. Retrieved December 15, 2007.
  5. Mukul Kumar, Yoshinori Ando, "Carbon Nanotubes from Camphor: An Environment-Friendly Nanotechnology", Journal of Physics: Conference Series 61 (2007): 643–646.

External Links

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