Camphor

Description

Camphor, A white crystalline cyclicketone with a characteristic penetrating odor. It was formerly obtainedfrom the wood of the Formosancamphor tree, but can now besynthesized. The compound has acharacteristic odour associated withits use in mothballs. Used to make moth proofings, pharmaceuticals, and flavorings.

Chemical properties

Camphor is colourless solid with a characteristic odour that is obtained from the wood and bark of the camphor tree and is soluble in water and alcohol. It has two optically active forms (dextro and levo) and an optically inactive mixture (racemic) of these two forms. Camphor is used in pharmaceuticals,in disinfectants, in explosives,and to harden nitrocellulose plastics. It is produced by fractional distillation and crystallization of camphor oil or, synthetically, by dehydrogenation of isoborneol over a copper catalyst.

The Uses of Camphor

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is credited with anesthetic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, cooling, and refreshing properties, and thought to be slightly stimulating to blood circulation and function. Camphor is effective for oily and acne skin treatment, and has a scent similar to eucalyptus. In high concentrations, it can be an irritant and numb the peripheral sensory nerves. dl-Camphor is used as a plasticizer for celluloseesters and ethers; in the manufacture ofplastics and cymene; in cosmetics, lacquers,medicine, explosives, and pyrotechnics; andas a moth repellent.

Indications

Camphor is a ketone which, when applied in 1% to 3% concentration, has mild antipruritic effects through its anesthetic and counterirritant properties. Counterirritants are substances that, by inducing other sensations such as coolness or warmth, ‘‘crowd out’’ the perception of pain or itch. Camphor is used in various OTC topical analgesic products in concentrations as high as 9%.

Health Hazard

Vapors of camphor can irritate the eyes, nose,and throat. In humans, such irritation may be felt at >3 ppm concentration. Prolongedexposure can cause headache, dizziness, andloss of sense of smell. Ingestion can causeheadache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea,and at high dosages can lead to convulsion,dyspnea, and coma. High dosages can beharmful to gastrointestinal tracts, kidney,and brain.
LD50 value, intraperitoneal (mice): 3000mg/kg.

Fire Hazard

Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some may burn rapidly with flare burning effect. Powders, dusts, shavings, borings, turnings or cuttings may explode or burn with explosive violence. Substance may be transported in a molten form at a temperature that may be above its flash point. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.

Toxicology

Camphor is a very toxic compound which can prove fatal for infants and children on ingestion even in very small doses. Camphor products are toxic and especially dangerous to young children. Mouthing or eating camphor can cause seizures. Applying balms or ointments in large amounts and adding it to the water of a room humidifier may also cause children to seize. The onset of symptoms may occur very quickly - as early as 5 to 20 minutes.

Potential Exposure

Camphor, a natural product, is used as a plasticizer for cellulose esters and ethers; it is used in lacquers and varnishes; and in explosives and pyrotechnics formulations. It is used as a moth repellent and as a medicinal.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.

Carcinogenicity

Camphor was not teratogenic to rats or rabbits when administered orally during the fetal period of organogenesis at doses up to 1000mg/kg body weight (bw)/day or 681mg/kg bw/day, respectively.9 Signs of maternal toxicity included clonic convulsions, reduced motility, and reduced body weight gain in rats and reduced food consumption and body weight gain in rabbits.

Source

Major component in pine oil (quoted, Verschueren, 1983). Also present in a variety of rosemary shoots (330–3,290 ppm) (Soriano-Cano et al., 1993), anise-scented basil leaves (1,785 ppm) (Brophy et al., 1993), Iberian savory leaves (2,660 ppm) (Arrebola et al., 1994), African blue basil shoots (7,000 ppm), Greek sage (160–5,040 ppm), Montane Mountain mint (3,395–3,880 ppm), yarrow leaves (45–1,780 ppm), and coriander (100–1,300 ppm) (Duke, 1992).

storage

Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable materials storage area. Prior to working withcamphor you should be trained on its proper handling andstorage. Before entering confined space where this chemicalmay be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Camphor must be stored to avoidcontact with oxidizers, such as permanganates, nitrates, peroxides, chlorates, and perchlorates, and especially chromicanhydride since violent reactions occur. Store in tightlyclosed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away fromheat, sparks, or flame. Sources of ignition, such as smokingand open flames are prohibited where camphor is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fireor explosion hazard.

Incompatibilities

May form explosive mixture with air. Violent, possibly explosive, reaction with strong oxidizers, especially chromic anhydride, potassium permanganate. May accumulate static electrical charges, and may cause ignition of its vapors.