Camphor

Camphor is a white, waxy, crystalline solid (C₁₀H₁₆O) with a strong, penetrating odor, obtained naturally from the wood of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) or produced synthetically from turpentine via oxidation of pinene.​

Properties

It sublimes readily at room temperature (sublimation point 204°C, melting point 175°C), is volatile, soluble in alcohol and ether but sparingly in water, and exhibits a characteristic camphoraceous scent due to its bicyclic monoterpene ketone structure.​

Microscopy role

In microscopy, synthetic camphor oil (camphor dissolved in solvents like toluene) serves as a temporary mounting or clearing medium with refractive index ~1.48, making tissues translucent for viewing without permanent embedding.​

Main uses

Camphor is used medicinally as a topical rubefacient and antipruritic, in plastics and explosives as a plasticizer, and historically as an insect repellent; synthetic grades ensure purity for lab, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.