Camphor
Camphor,
volatile, white, crystalline compound, C10H16O, with a characteristic
aromatic odor.
Ordinary
camphor is obtained from the camphor tree, Cinnamomum
camphora, which grows in Asia and Brazil. The camphor
is distilled by steaming chips of the root, stem, or bark.
The
leaves of certain plants, such as tansy and feverfew,
contain a second form of camphor, which is not used commercially.
A racemic form is present in the oil of an Asian chrysanthemum
and is also produced synthetically for most commercial uses.
Camphor
is used in the manufacture of celluloid and explosives and
medicinally in liniments and other preparations for its
mild antiseptic and anesthetic qualities. It is poisonous
if ingested in large amounts.
Camphor
is insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, and
melts at 176° C (349° F) and boils at 209° C (405° F).
"Camphor,"
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001 http://encarta.msn.com
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