What term is used to describe alcohols that contain carbon and evaporate very quickly?

The term "volatile alcohols" refers to alcohols that have a tendency to evaporate rapidly at room temperature due to their low boiling points. This characteristic is important in various applications, including the formulation of cosmetics and personal care products, as volatile alcohols can help in quick-drying formulations and effectively enhance the spreadability of products on the skin.

Volatile alcohols typically include simple alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, which are commonly found in many beauty and skincare products for their quick evaporation rates. This property makes them suitable for use in formulations where a fast-drying effect is desirable, allowing products to feel lightweight and non-greasy upon application.

Understanding the volatility of alcohols is crucial for practical applications within design principles, as it influences how a product behaves when applied and how it interacts with other ingredients.