UN 1838 — Titanium tetrachloride
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 137. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1838 is Titanium tetrachloride, a toxic corrosive fuming liquid assigned to ERG Guide 137. It reacts with moisture to produce dense white hydrogen chloride/titanium oxychloride clouds.
Hazard overview: UN 1838 presents dense acid vapor cloud, water-reaction, corrosive liquid and heavy-vapor hazards. Keep moisture away and protect downwind areas from visible acidic fumes.
Response guidance: For a UN 1838 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 1838 should emphasize water-reactive fuming liquid behavior, dense acid vapor clouds, dry-agent selection, downwind control, PPE selection and decontamination. Use ERG 137, SDS and local hazmat SOP.
Regulatory context: Titanium tetrachloride 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: Titanium tetrachloride should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from water, moisture, bases, oxidizers/reducing agents where incompatible, heat and unauthorized access. Protect containers from corrosion, leakage and contamination.
UN 1838 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1838
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE fuming liquid; inhalation or contact may cause severe injury.
- Reacts violently with water or moist air, releasing heat and dense white hydrogen chloride/titanium oxychloride fumes.
- Heavy acidic vapor clouds may travel along the ground and collect in low areas.
- Liquid and fumes can burn eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Non-flammable, but reaction heat and dense corrosive cloud can worsen the incident.
- Runoff may be strongly acidic and corrosive.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated or contaminated with water.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Fumes heavily in moist air, producing dense white clouds of hydrochloric acid and titanium oxychloride.
| Also known as | TetrachlorotitaniumTitanic chlorideTitanium(IV) chlorideTiCl4 |
| CAS Number | 7550-45-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow fuming liquid with a pungent, acrid odor. Fumes heavily in moist air, producing dense white clouds of hydrochloric acid and titanium oxychloride. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 136C (277F) |
| Vapor Density | 6.6 (much heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water, generating substantial heat and releasing dense, corrosive hydrochloric acid fumes. Do not use water directly on material. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1838
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 1838 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, mist or spray and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Keep water and moisture away from 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 1838 — Titanium tetrachlorideUse 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.