1. Natural Products: Synthesis of Camphor from Camphene
Chapter 66
Natural Products: Synthesis of Camphor from Camphene

2. Purpose Please look in the textbook for the reaction mechanism
This experiment represents an example of a “total synthesis” research project

3. Comments Follow the macroscale experimental procedure from Chapter 66.
Your product from each step is the starting material for subsequent steps in the synthesis.
Therefore, it’s critically important to be accurate, because loss of the product from any step may result in restarting the lab from camphene.
Check purity of all products by using GC/MS, NMR and IR analysis.
Calculate yields.

4. Safety
Flammable solvents are used in this experiment; keep away from open flame.
KOH and acetic acid is corrosive, handle with care.
Jones’ reagent is highly corrosive, carcinogenic and teratogenic. Never discard it to the sink.
Gloves and goggles are strictly required.