camphor laurel
Quick Summary
The camphor laurel, scientifically known as Cinnamomum camphora, is a large, evergreen tree native to China, Taiwan, and Japan. This tree, belonging to the laurel family, is cultivated in warm regions. Camphor, an organic compound with a distinct aroma, is derived from the wood of the camphor laurel through steam distillation.12
Historically, camphor has been used in incense and traditional medicine. Modern applications include its use as a plasticizer for cellulose nitrate and as an insect repellent, particularly for moths. Camphor is classified as a terpenoid ketone and is a white, waxy solid at room temperature. The camphor laurel is part of the Laurales order of flowering plants, which includes trees, shrubs, and woody vines, many of which are aromatic and yield valuable products like lumber and medicinal extracts.23
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camphorcamphor laurel, Cinnamomum camphora, common in China, Taiwan, and Japan. It is isolated by passing steam through the pulverized wood and condensing the vapours; camphor crystallizes from the oily portion of the distillate and is purified by pressing and sublimation. Since the early 1930s camphor…
Read Morecamphor laurel, Cinnamomum camphora, common in China, Taiwan, and Japan. It is isolated by passing steam through the pulverized wood and condensing the vapours; camphor crystallizes from the oily portion of the distillate and is purified by pressing and sublimation. Since the early 1930s camphor…
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LauralesLauraceae…derived from Cinnamomum camphora, the camphor tree, of China, Taiwan, and Japan. It is obtained by steam distillation of wood chips. The wood of the camphor tree may contain up to 5 percent of the crude oil, and a single tree can yield up to 3 tons of the oil,…
Read More…derived from Cinnamomum camphora, the camphor tree, of China, Taiwan, and Japan. It is obtained by steam distillation of wood chips. The wood of the camphor tree may contain up to 5 percent of the crude oil, and a single tree can yield up to 3 tons of the oil,…
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