MOLECULE

(R)-Camphor

Camphor, also known as (+)-camphor or (+)-bornan-2-one, with the chemical formula C10H16O, is a member of the class of compounds known as bicyclic monoterpenoids. Bicyclic monoterpenoids are monoterpenoids containing exactly 2 rings, which are fused to each other. Camphor is a waxy, flammable, white or transparent solid with a strong aroma. Camphor is practically insoluble in water and a neutral compound. Within the cell, camphor is primarily located in the membrane. It is found in many plants, such as in the wood of the camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), laurel (Ocotea usambarensis), Kapur tree, in the oil of rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis), the mint family (10 to 20% camphor), camphorweed (Heterotheca; 5%), camphor basil (the parent of African blue basil) and cannabis plants (PMID:6991645). Camphor can also be synthetically produced from oil of turpentine. Camphor is also used for its scent, as an ingredient in cooking (mainly in India), as an embalming fluid, for medicinal purposes, and in religious ceremonies.