UN 2338 — Benzotrifluoride
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2338 is Benzotrifluoride, a flammable halogenated organic liquid assigned to ERG Guide 127. Heavy vapor flashback and toxic halogen fire products are key hazards.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE halogenated liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back. Vapor explosion hazard exists in low areas, drains, sewers and confined spaces.
Response guidance: For UN 2338, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources, keep vapors out of drains and use SCBA in vapor or fire conditions. Cool containers from a protected distance and select foam/dry chemical/CO2 based on the SDS.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2338 should emphasize vapor travel, low-area accumulation, sewer flashback, foam selection, ignition control, container cooling and vapor monitoring. Use ERG 127, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Benzotrifluoride is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, exposure, spill reporting, waste and fire-code duties depend on quantity, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and local authority requirements.
Storage & handling: Benzotrifluoride 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 2338 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2338
- FLAMMABLE halogenated liquid; vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Vapor explosion hazard exists in low areas, drains, sewers and confined spaces.
- Fire may release hydrogen halides and other irritating or toxic decomposition gases.
- Liquid contact and vapor exposure may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and contamination hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor similar to benzene. Liquid at room temperature, denser than water.
| Also known as | alpha,alpha,alpha-TrifluorotolueneTrifluoromethylbenzenePhenyl trifluoromethaneBTF |
| CAS Number | 98-08-8 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor similar to benzene. Liquid at room temperature, denser than water. |
| Flash Point | 12°C (54°F) |
| Boiling Point | 102°C (216°F) |
| Vapor Density | 5.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Insoluble in water; no significant reaction with water |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2338
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and flame-resistant protection as appropriate.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2338 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish incident command.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; keep responders out of low vapor areas.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Avoid breathing vapor, mist or smoke and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 127, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2338 — BenzotrifluorideUse 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.