QSARs for the skin sensitization potential of aldehydes and related compounds

Although not all aldehydes are skin sensitizers, many of them, covering a diverse range of structures, show varying degrees of sensitization potential. Based on consideration of their reaction chemistry, it is possible to identify structural features associated with sensitization potential or the lack of it. Many aldehydes, including several fragrance allergens, can sensitize by Schiff base formation. A QSAR based on reactivity and hydrophobicity parameters has been developed for these aldehydes. The QSAR can be extended to include 1,2‐diketones, which can also react by Schiff base formation. The findings indicate that for skin sensitization, as for several other areas of toxicology, chemicals are better classified in terms of their reaction chemistry rather than in terms of their functional groups, i.e., based on mechanisms of action as opposed to chemical class.