UN 2284 — Isobutyronitrile
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2284 is Isobutyronitrile, a toxic flammable nitrile liquid assigned to ERG Guide 131. It combines vapor fire risk with cyanide-type toxic fire products.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and FLAMMABLE nitrile liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
Response guidance: For a UN 2284 incident, verify the product with shipping papers, container markings, SDS and ERG Guide 131. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, control ignition or incompatibility hazards, prevent runoff, dust or vapor spread and base entry/fire-control actions on monitoring and local SOP.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2284 should emphasize vapor travel, sewer flashback, foam selection, container cooling, ignition control, toxic/corrosive exposure where applicable and runoff containment. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Isobutyronitrile is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Storage, workplace exposure, emergency planning, spill reporting, waste handling and environmental requirements vary by exact product, concentration, quantity and jurisdiction. Verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, container markings and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Isobutyronitrile should be stored in approved flammable-liquid containers with ventilation, bonding/grounding where required, spill containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2284 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2284
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE nitrile liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic gases.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and toxic contamination hazards.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Volatile and flammable at room temperature.
| Also known as | 2-MethylpropanenitrileIsopropyl cyanide2-MethylpropionitrileIsobutanenitrile |
| CAS Number | 78-82-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. Volatile and flammable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -8°C (17°F) |
| Boiling Point | 103-108°C (217-226°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.4 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water, but slightly soluble. Hydrolyzes slowly. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2284
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, flame-resistant protection as appropriate and PPE selected from SDS.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2284 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, dust, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Eliminate ignition sources if safe and keep vapors and runoff out of drains, sewers, basements and low areas.
- Do not touch damaged containers or 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 release area and expand the perimeter for fire involvement, vapor spread, dust generation, water reaction or unknown product identity.
- Use ERG Guide 131, shipping papers, SDS, air monitoring and incident command for protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2284 — IsobutyronitrileUse 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.