Camphor is a white crystalline bicyclic saturated terpene ketone with a characteristic pungent odor and taste,that is flammable

Camphor is a white crystalline bicyclic saturated terpene ketone with a characteristic pungent odor and taste,that is flammable and volatile; melting at 176 C, boiling at 204°C and specific gravity 0.992. It is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, Benzene, carbon disulphide and other solvents. Camphor was formerly obtained from the wood of the Taiwanese camphor laurel tree (cinnamomum camphora), but now is synthesized from pinene which is obtained by refining crude turpentine oil. It is used as a plasticizer in the manufacture of celluloid film and some lacquers. It is used as an insect repellent and in pyrotechnics. It provides cooling effect when applied to the skin. It is applied topically to the skin as well as in pharmaceuticals as an antipruritic and anti-infective. It is used for rubefacient preparations in medicine to relieve mild pain and itching. Other rubefacients include benzyl nicotinate, methyl and ethyl salicylate, glycol salicylate, methyl nicotinate, capsaicin and capsicum oleoresin. Camphor is also an ingredient in cough remedies, ear drops, and preparations for the removal of corns and verrucas. Camphor similar compounds include:

Anethole (Anise Camphor): a white crystals anise oil similar odur; melting point 22.5 C; slightly soluble in water; light sensitive. Menthol (Peppermint Camphor): ) a white crystalline compound with a characteristic pungent odor; freely soluble in alcohols, ether, and chloroform. It is obtained from mint oils (mainly peppermint) or made synthetically from coal tar. Thymol (Thyme Camphor): a white crystals with camphor like odor, is a phenolic compound obtained naturally from thyme oil (or other volatile oils) or prepared synthetically