What is the Difference Between Camphor and Naphthalene

The main difference between camphor and naphthalene is that camphor has a characteristic ketone functional group in its structure, whereas naphthalene has a characteristic two fused benzene rings in its structure.

Organic compounds are compounds having carbon atoms in them. They are found in living organisms and can be synthesized in the laboratory. They are also used in many industries. Camphor and naphthalene are two such organic compounds.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Camphor
     – Definition, Structure, Uses
2. What is Naphthalene
     – Definition, Structure, Uses
3. Difference Between Camphor and Naphthalene
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Camphor, Naphthalene

What is Camphor

Camphor is a white waxy crystalline solid with a molecular formula C₁₀H₁₆O. It is colourless and has a strong aroma. It is a type of terpenoid. Camphor is a cyclic ketone, so it is an organic compound. Its molar mass is 152.237 g/mol, and its density is 0.992 g cm^-1. Meanwhile, its boiling point is 209 degrees of Celcius. Camphor is soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents. It is derived from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora. It is extracted from the process of steam distillation, purification, and sublimation of the bark and wood of Cinnamomum camphora. Camphor has many useful properties, including antiseptic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, anticancer activity, anti-infective properties, and anti-fungal properties.

There are many uses of camphor. One such use is in aromatherapy. It is used in diffusers and other products to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. The aroma of camphor has a calming effect on the mind and body. Hence, it helps people who have stress, anxiety, or depression. People also use it as a traditional medicine to treat respiratory problems such as colds and coughs. Inhaling camphor vapour helps to clear the respiratory tract and reduce inflammation.

Camphor also helps to manage pain. It stimulates nerve endings that reduce symptoms like pain and itching when applied to the skin. Camphor gives a warm sensation to the skin as it desensitizes the nerve endings. It also helps the skin to relieve itching. In addition, it relieves pain in muscles and joints. It also helps in managing osteoarthritis as it can ease joint pain in arthritis. Research indicates that it can prevent low blood pressure.

What is Naphthalene

Naphthalene is an organic compound with a molecular formula of C₁₀H₈. It is a white volatile solid polycyclic hydrocarbon. It has a distinctive pungent ordour. Moreover, naphthalene is obtained from coal tar or petroleum distillation. In addition, there are many steps in the production of naphthalene. It includes the distillation of coal tar and the separation of naphthalene from other components through a process known as fractional distillation. 

There are many uses of naphthalene. It is commonly used as a moth repellant as it has a strong odour and it is toxic to insects. It also helps in the production of dyes, resins, and other organic chemicals. In addition to its use as a fuel in some industries, naphthalene finds application in various sectors. Industries use it in the manufacture of plastics and the production of explosives. Additionally, it serves as a starting material in the production of other chemicals like phthalic anhydride, which manufacturers use to produce plasticizers and polyester resins. Moreover, it functions as a cleaning agent that effectively removes stains and grease from surfaces. Finally, it helps control pests in agriculture and industrial settings as a fumigant.

Difference Between Camphor and Naphthalene 

Definition

Camphor is a white waxy crystalline solid with a molecular formula of C₁₀H₁₆O, while naphthalene is an organic compound with a molecular formula of C₁₀H₈.

Structure

Camphor has a characteristic ketone functional group in its structure, whereas naphthalene has a characteristic two fused benzene rings in its structure.

Production

While camphor is obtained from the wood of the camphor tree, naphthalene is obtained from coal tar or synthesized from crude oil.

Uses

Camphor finds application in aromatherapy, respiratory disease management, pain relief (especially for muscles and joints), and low blood pressure and osteoarthritis prevention. In contrast, naphthalene is helpful as a moth repellent and in the production of dyes, resins, and other organic compounds. It also has industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of plastics and explosives and as a cleaning agent and fumigant.

Conclusion

In brief, camphor and naphthalene are two useful organic compounds. The main difference between camphor and naphthalene is that camphor has a characteristic ketone functional group in its structure, whereas naphthalene has a characteristic two fused benzene rings in its structure.

Reference:

1. “Camphor.” PubChem. National Library of Medicine. 
2. “Naphthalene.” PubChem. National Library of Medicine. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Camphor 8327” By Bin im Garten – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Naphthalene” By TimJW12 – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia