Aliphatic and Aromatic

Hydrocarbons

Nadine Z. Villarin
In organic chemistry, compounds composed
of carbon and hydrogen are divided into
two classes:

aromatic compounds - contain

benzene rings or similar rings of atoms.
aliphatic compounds - do not contain
the benzene rings.
Halogenated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
These agents find wide use as industrial
solvents, degreasing agents, and cleaning
agents.

Example:
• carbon tetrachloride
• chloroform, trichloroethylene
• Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene)
• 1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform)
 Mechanism of Action

These substances are depressants of the

central nervous system in humans.
 Halogenated hydrocarbons also cause
liver injury, kidney injury, and some
degree of cardiotoxicity.
 Clinical Effects
• Chloroform - widely used as an anesthetic
agent, is the most potent.
• Chronic exposure to tetrachloroethylene
can cause impaired memory and
peripheral neuropathy.
• Hepatotoxicity is also a common toxic
effect that can occur after acute or chronic
exposures.
• Nephrotoxicity can occur with exposure to
carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and
trichloroethylene.
• Carcinogenicity has been observed in lifetime
exposure chloroform, carbon tetrachloride,
trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene.
• Studies show that margin of safety for
humans is very large with respect to the
potential carcinogenic effect of household
exposure to chloroform or environmentally
relevant concentrations of trichloroethylene.
 Treatment

There is no specific treatment for acute

intoxication resulting from exposure to
halogenated hydrocarbons. Management
depends upon the organ system involved.
 Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Benzene is widely used for its

solvent properties and as an
intermediate in the synthesis
of other chemicals.

Sources:
-Lacquer Thinner
- insecticides
-Spray paints
- Cleaners
- Vehicle oils
• The acute toxic effect of benzene is depression
of the central nervous system.

• Exposure to 7500 ppm for 30 minutes can be

fatal.

• Exposure to concentrations larger than 3000

ppm:
– euphoria, nausea,
– locomotor problems, and coma

• Concentrations ranging from 250 to 500 ppm:

- vertigo, drowsiness, headache, and nausea
• Chronic exposure to benzene unpredictable
injury to the bone marrow:
- aplastic anemia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, or
thrombocytopenia.

• The early symptoms of chronic benzene

intoxication may be headache, fatigue, and loss
of appetite, though it can be vague.

• No specific treatment exists for the toxic effects

of benzene.
 Toluene (methylbenzene)
clear, water-insoluble liquid is
widely used as an industrial
feedstock and as a solvent.
It does not possess the
myelotoxic properties of benzene
however, It is a central nervous
system depressant.

Toluene is readily absorbed from the lungs, and most

exposures to toluene occur by inhalation.
Exposure to 800 ppm can lead to severe fatigue and ataxia.
10,000 ppm can produce rapid loss of consciousness.

There is no antidote for toluene. Treatment consists of support

of respiratory and cardiovascular functions.