Hawley"s Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th Edition
aliphatic. One of the major groups of organic compounds, characterized by the straight- or branched-chain arrangement of the constituent carbon atoms.
Aliphatic hydrocarbons comprise three subgroups: (1) paraffins(alkanes), all of which are saturated and comparatively unreactive, the branched-chain types being much more suitable for gasoline than a straight chain: (2)olefins (alkenes or alkadienes),which are unsaturated and quite reactive: (3)acetylenes )alkynes), which contain a triple bond and are highly reactive. In complex stuctures, the chains may be branched or cross-linked.
See also alicyclic; amromatic;chain
Generally these are listed on MSDS's as a petroluem distillate and if listed properly, will have the CAS# for the solvent as well, example in one product the particular one is listed as follows,
Pertoluem Solvent CAS 6472-47-8 Threshold limit value (units) 100 (TLV)
Another of our product lists a solvent as
Hydrotreated Light Distillate CAS 54742-88-7
Threshold is 100 PPM (PEL) and 100 PPM (TLV)
All the MSDS's should also list the boiling point, the vapor pressure, the vapor density, the solubility in water, apperance and odor, specific gravity, percent of volatile by weight or volume and evaporation rate.
There is a section on Fire and Explosion Hazard Data, which lists Flash Point, Auto Ignition, how to extinguish etc.
The one area that I feel all must address is not so much the hazardous ingredients, as water is hazardous under the right conditions, which is why 5 gallon pails now have warnings silk screened on the sides.
There are many areas of an MSDS that may be of importance, as mentioned if a child drinks that good smelling, pretty colored product. Do you really know what it is, the possible affects it may have?
All that aside, the one area everyone should be aware of is the SARA 313 or Carcenigenic/Toxic area that is located in the last of an MSDS. California has done a great job on enforcing this particular area, others should follow suit and make sure that any product with carcenigenic or toxic components are listed plainly.
The solvent used by Zanio, Mequiars, us etc are hazardous, but only really hazardous in a 100% pure form. Yet, constant exporsure may have an detrimental effect on some humans.
There is a lot here, just have to trust that most manufacturers are not out to kill off their life's blood, at least the major ones.