Camphor

1Identification

Name

Camphor

IUPAC name

1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one

CAS number

76-22-2

Molecular formula

C10H16O

Molecular weight

152.23 g/mol

InChIKey

DSSYKIVIOFKYAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CC1(C2CCC1(C(=O)C2)C)C

PubChem CID

2537

Synonyms

camphor, DL-Camphor, 2-Camphanone, 2-Bornanone, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one, Bornan-2-one, Alphanon, Kampfer, Laurel camphor, 1,7,7-Trimethylnorcamphor, 2-Camphonone, Matricaria camphor, SYNTHETIC CAMPHOR, 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]-2-heptanone

Recommended uses

• Used as a plasticizer and chemical intermediate; also used as an additive to explosives, varnishes, lacquers, insecticides, fungicides, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and flavorings; [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• It was used in two-phase based hollow fibre liquid-phase microextraction procedure for migration analysis of food packagings containing essential oils.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Camphor was used in the synthesis of single-walled nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Fuel agents Fragrance
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Fragrance
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes · Flavoring Agents -> JECFA Flavorings Index · Cosmetics -> Denaturant; Plasticiser

Description

• Camphor appears as a colorless or white colored crystalline powder with a strong mothball-like odor. About the same density as water. Emits flammable vapors above 150 °F. Used to make moth proofings, pharmaceuticals, and flavorings.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Camphor is a cyclic monoterpene ketone that is bornane bearing an oxo substituent at position 2. A naturally occurring monoterpenoid. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a bornane monoterpenoid and a cyclic monoterpene ketone.
  ChEBI
• Camphor is a bicyclic monoterpene ketone found widely in plants, especially Cinnamomum camphora. It is used topically as a skin antipruritic and as an anti-infective agent. When ingested, camphor has a rapid onset of toxic effects, and camphorated oil is the product most often responsible for its toxicity. The FDA ruled that camphorated oil could not be marketed in the United States and that no product could contain a concentration higher than 11%. It appears in the list of drug products withdrawn or removed from the market for safety or effectiveness. However, camphor can be found in several nonprescription medications at lower concentrations.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS07, GHS08

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]: Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. · Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. · Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]: 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. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · 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.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Above 66 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Workers exposed to greater than 2 ppm (12.6 mg/m3) report irritation of the eyes and nose and loss of the sense of smell. Camphor causes convulsions in experimental animals and in humans after ingestion of high doses. [ACGIH] Included in list of established contact allergens in humans; [EC: Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety: Fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2011)] May cause elevated liver enzymes in poisoning cases after ingestion; [HSDB] See L-Camphor.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Camphor (synthetic): Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: SOAP WASH IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly. Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing, wash the skin with soap and water, and get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Further see Ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• To fight fire, use foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic gases and irritating fumes.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions. Large Spill · Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet). Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: sweep up and shovel. Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulation... Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental precautions: prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants, strong reducing agents, chlorinated solvents and food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Separated from strong oxidants, strong reducing agents, chlorinated solvents, food and feedstuffs. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Camphor (synthetic): Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin Protection: handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 50 mg/m3 : (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with an organic vapor cartridge in combination with a high-efficiency particulate filter. Up to 100 mg/m3 : (APF = 50) Any air-purifying full-facepiece respirator equipped with organic vapor cartridge(s) in combination with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters. (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister having an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Naphthalene, CAMPHOR, glycerol, or turpentine will react violently with chromic anhydride [Haz. Chem. Data 1967 p. 68].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Reacts violently with ...strong reducing agents and chlorinated solvents, causing fire and explosion hazard.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers (especially chromic anhydride & potassium permanganate).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers (especially chromic anhydride & potassium permanganate)
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, central nervous system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. This may result in convulsions and respiratory depression. Ingestion could cause death.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Waste treatment methods: product: burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2717

Shipping name

• UN 2717; Camphor, synthetic
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 4.1; Camphor, synthetic
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Camphor, synthetic
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN2717
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Div 4.1 Flammable solid (49 eCFR § 173.124)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Flammable Solid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 4.1; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2717 133
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of camphor are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops only. Use: Deodorant, melting point adjustment. Limit: Not more than 5% weight to weight (w/w) of pesticide formulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer saftey standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date: 1/26/94; Reporting date: 3/28/94.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• d-Camphor is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and 2) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part. /d-Camphor/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 2537 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.