Acute toxicity of a homologous series of branched-chain primary alcohols.

Abstract

Animal studies have been carried out on a series of highly branched primary aliphatic alcohols. The alcohols were amyl, hexyl, isooctyl, 2-ethylhexyl, isononyl, decyl, tri-decyl, and hexadecyl. The tests included oral and dermal LD50, eye and skin irritation, and 6-hour vapor exposure. Oral LD50 values in rats ranged from 1.5 to greater than 8.4 gm/kg and did not show a consistent increase with increased molecular weight. Signs of effect were associated with central nervous system depression. Dermal LD50 values in rabbits were all greater than 2.6 or 3.2 gm/kg, the highest dose tested, although percutaneous absorption was seen. Skim irritation was slight to severe and generally inversely related to molecular weight. The C5 through C13 alcohols produced moderate to severe eye irritation; the C16 alcohol produced only slight irritation. Inhalation toxicity was low, with systemic effects seen only with amyl, 2-ethylhexyl, and isononyl alcohols. Some eye, nose, throat, or respiratory tract irritation was seen...