Appendix G: Hazards of Functional Groups

ALCOHOLS  The lower aliphatic alcohols are low to moderately toxic and usually have low vapor pressures, therefore inhalation toxicity is low.  Vapors may be an irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes.  Ingestion and absorption of the liquids through the skin can be a major health hazard.  Lower alcohols containing double or triple bonds exhibit a greater degree of toxicity and irritation.  Fatty alcohols (derived from oils, fats, and waxes) are almost nontoxic.  Lower alcohols are flammable or combustible liquids.  Flammability decreases with an increase in the carbon number.  Solubility of alcohols decrease with increase in carbon chain length.  Toxicity tends to decrease with an increase in carbon number.