Camphor

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Cat Number

PIE-0115

CAS Number

76-22-2

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

CAS Number

76-22-2

Storage

Store at 10°C - 25°C

Synonyms

Camphor racemic; (1RS,4RS)-1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one; 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone; 1,7,7-Trimethylnorcamphor; 2-Bornanone; 2-Camphanone; Alphanon; Borneo camphor, DL-Camphor; dl-Camphor; (±)-Camphor

Molecular Formula

C10H16O

Molecular Weight

152.23

Smiles

CC1(C2CCC1(C(=O)C2)C)C

Melting Point

-93.9°C

Boiling Point

65°C

Standard

ChP

General Description

Camphor is a cyclic monoterpene ketone and a bornane with an oxo substituent. It is a colorless or white colored crystalline with a strong odor like mothballs. It has approximately the same density as water. Releases flammable vapors at or above 150°F.

Mechanism of Action

Mechanisms of action of camphor include several counterirritants. As a topical counterirritant, camphor stimulates sensory nerve endings, producing a cooling sensation, thus providing relief from pain or itching by distracting the brain from processing the initial sensation causing pain or itch. In sufficient concentrations, it can cause mild local anesthesia through CNS depression. Camphor has ion channel modulating effects, including activity against TRPV1 receptors, which are believed to be involved in pain and inflammation modulation. Camphor is antimicrobial against bacteria and fungi through disruption of cell membranes.

Application

Camphor has many uses in medicinal, cosmetic, and industrial products. In pharmaceutical preparations, it is used in topical analgesics (such as muscle pain creams), cough remedies, and antiseptic products. In industry, camphor is used as a plasticizer for celluloid and explosives, and a textile preservative. Camphor is also burned as incense in religious rites because of its strong aroma. Caution should be exercised because camphor can be toxic in large doses.

One new mechanism that has been proposed to explain the analgesic use of camphor is the inhibition and desensitization of transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1) and TRPV1. Camphor stimulates and desensitizes TRPV1, thus providing an analgesic effect.

Fig. 1 Mechanism of analgesic effect of camphor. (Fazmiya M J A, et al. 2022)

References

Fazmiya M J A, et al. Current insights on bioactive molecules, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and other pharmacological activities of cinnamomum camphora linn. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2022, 2022(1): 9354555.

How can I request a price quotation for Camphor?

Please submit your specific quantity requirements and delivery destination to us for a Camphor quote.

Is natural Camphor priced differently from the synthetic variety?

Natural Camphor generally commands a higher price premium due to its extraction process compared to large-scale synthetic production.

What are the ideal temperature conditions for storing Camphor?

Store Camphor in a cool, dry area, ideally below 25°C, to prevent degradation and minimize excessive sublimation.

Is Camphor sensitive to direct sunlight or UV exposure?

Yes, prolonged exposure to light can cause Camphor to discolor, so opaque containers are highly recommended.