UN 1112 — Amyl nitrate
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 128. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1112 is Amyl nitrate, a Class 3 flammable organic nitrate/nitrite liquid assigned to ERG Guide 128. It is a fire and vapor-explosion hazard, with additional concern for heat or contamination-related decomposition.
Hazard overview: UN 1112 presents flammable vapor, flashback and heat-sensitive decomposition hazards. Fire may produce toxic nitrogen oxide fumes, and responders should keep the material away from heat, ignition sources and incompatible contaminants.
Response guidance: For a UN 1112 incident, responders should confirm the product using shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 128. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind and uphill, remove ignition sources when safe, keep vapors out of sewers and use compatible Class B fire-control agents from a protected position.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1112 should emphasize flammable liquid vapor travel, flashback, sewer vapor explosion risk, foam compatibility, container cooling and atmospheric monitoring. Common errors include standing downwind, allowing runoff into drains, ignoring low-area vapor collection and using non-compatible foam. Use ERG 128, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Amyl nitrate is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Transportation, workplace exposure, spill reporting, waste handling, storage and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Amyl nitrate should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated flammable-liquid storage area. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, oxidizers and incompatible materials, with bonding/grounding, secondary containment and drain protection where required.
UN 1112 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1112
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE liquid; will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air and flash back to the source.
- Organic nitrate/nitrite liquids may decompose or react dangerously when heated or contaminated.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Fire may produce irritating and toxic nitrogen oxide fumes.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire, explosion or environmental hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pleasant, ethereal odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature.
| Also known as | Pentyl nitraten-Amyl nitrateNitric acid pentyl ester1-Pentanol nitrate |
| CAS Number | 1002-16-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with a pleasant, ethereal odor. Volatile and highly flammable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -2C (28F) |
| Boiling Point | 145-150C (293-302F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.5 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but may hydrolyze slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1112
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash protection and protective clothing selected using SDS and avoid heat, contamination and ignition sources.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1112 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Eliminate ignition sources if it is safe to do so.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled liquid unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- For large spills or fire involvement, expand isolation and consider downwind evacuation based on vapor movement, monitoring and incident command.
- Use ERG Guide 128, shipping papers, SDS and local SOP for protective actions and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1112 — Amyl nitrateUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.