UN 1716 — Acetyl bromide
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 156. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1716 is Acetyl bromide, a corrosive combustible acid bromide assigned to ERG Guide 156. Water contact can release heat plus hydrogen bromide and acetic acid fumes.
Hazard overview: UN 1716 presents corrosive fume, water-reactivity and combustible liquid hazards. Direct water contact can worsen fuming and runoff, while heated vapors may ignite or form explosive mixtures.
Response guidance: For a UN 1716 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 156. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, prevent incompatible contact, control runoff and choose entry or fire-control actions based on monitoring, SDS and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1716 should emphasize water-reactive corrosive fumes, dry-agent selection, vapor control, ignition control where relevant, runoff containment and decontamination. Use ERG 156, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Acetyl bromide 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 concentration, formulation, 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: Acetyl bromide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from water, moisture, bases, oxidizers, ignition sources where relevant and unauthorized access. Protect containers from corrosion, leakage and contamination.
UN 1716 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1716
- CORROSIVE combustible liquid; may burn but does not ignite as readily as low-flash flammable liquids.
- Reacts violently with water or moist air, releasing heat and corrosive hydrogen bromide/acetic acid fumes.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures when heated and may collect in low or confined areas.
- Liquid and fumes can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Corrosives may react with some metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated or contaminated with water.
- Runoff may spread corrosive and toxic contamination.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Fumes in moist air due to hydrolysis.
| Also known as | Ethanoyl bromideAcetic acid bromideBromoacetyl |
| CAS Number | 506-96-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid with a pungent, irritating odor. Fumes in moist air due to hydrolysis. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (reacts with moisture) |
| Boiling Point | 76C (169F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.3 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water releasing corrosive hydrogen bromide (HBr) and acetic acid vapors; do not use water directly on material |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1716
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fume, fire or confined-space exposure. Chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing should be selected from SDS; Level A may be needed for close entry or unknown concentrations.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1716 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.
- Avoid breathing vapors, fumes, dust or mist and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water and moisture away from the released product unless incident command confirms a compatible cooling or control use.
- Do not touch or walk through spilled material unless properly trained and wearing appropriate protective equipment.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped, monitored and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapor, dust, fire involvement, water reaction or unknown concentration is present.
- Use ERG Guide 156, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1716 — Acetyl bromideUse 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.