UN 1726 — Aluminum chloride, anhydrous
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 137. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1726 is Aluminum chloride, anhydrous, a water-reactive corrosive inorganic halide assigned to ERG Guide 137. Moisture can release heat and corrosive hydrogen halide fumes.
Hazard overview: UN 1726 presents corrosive dust, fume and water-reaction hazards. Keep the material dry, avoid dust generation and control runoff because water contact can increase corrosive fuming.
Response guidance: For a UN 1726 incident, responders should verify the product with shipping papers, package markings, SDS and ERG Guide 137. 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 1726 should emphasize water-reactive corrosive fumes, dry-agent selection, vapor control, ignition control where relevant, runoff containment and decontamination. Use ERG 137, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Aluminum chloride, anhydrous 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: Aluminum chloride, anhydrous 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 1726 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1726
- CORROSIVE water-reactive solid; contact with water or moist air releases heat and corrosive hydrogen halide fumes.
- Dust, fumes or solution can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Reaction with water can increase fuming and spread corrosive runoff.
- Non-combustible, but fire or heat may produce irritating/corrosive gases.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated or contaminated with water.
- Runoff may be corrosive and environmentally harmful.
- Avoid dust generation and moisture contact.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to gray or pale yellow crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless when pure, but may emit pungent fumes of hydrogen chloride when exposed to moist air.
| Also known as | AlCl3Aluminum trichlorideAluminum(III) chloridePAC (polyaluminum chloride when hydrolyzed) |
| CAS Number | 7446-70-0 |
| Appearance | White to gray or pale yellow crystalline powder or granular solid. Odorless when pure, but may emit pungent fumes of hydrogen chloride when exposed to moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible solid) |
| Boiling Point | Sublimes at 180C (356F) under atmospheric pressure |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid, but hydrolyzes to release HCl gas with vapor density 1.3) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water, generating heat and corrosive hydrogen chloride gas; do not use water directly on material |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1726
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 1726 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 137, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1726 — Aluminum chloride, anhydrousUse 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.