UN 2378 — 2-Dimethylaminoacetonitrile
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2378 is 2-Dimethylaminoacetonitrile, a toxic flammable aminonitrile assigned to ERG Guide 131. Response must control vapor ignition, skin exposure and cyanide-type fire products.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and FLAMMABLE aminonitrile liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air. Fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic gases.
Response guidance: For UN 2378, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources and use SCBA. Prevent vapor entry into drains, contain alkaline/toxic runoff and select foam, dry chemical or CO2 based on SDS and ERG 131.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2378 should emphasize amine/nitrile exposure, corrosive or toxic runoff, SCBA use, sewer flashback, decontamination, foam selection and container cooling. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: 2-Dimethylaminoacetonitrile 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: 2-Dimethylaminoacetonitrile should be stored in approved flammable/corrosive-liquid containers with ventilation, secondary containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, acids, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2378 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2378
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE aminonitrile liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Vapors may ignite and form explosive mixtures with air.
- Fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic gases.
- Liquid or vapor can irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and toxic contamination hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an amine-like or fishy odor. Volatile and miscible with water.
| Also known as | DimethylaminoacetonitrileDMANN,N-Dimethylglycine nitrileDimethylglyconitrile2-(Dimethylamino)acetonitrile |
| CAS Number | 926-64-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid with an amine-like or fishy odor. Volatile and miscible with water. |
| Flash Point | 41°C (106°F) |
| Boiling Point | 135-137°C (275-279°F) |
| Vapor Density | 2.9 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Soluble in water; no violent reaction but may hydrolyze slowly releasing cyanide |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2378
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing; avoid skin contact.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2378 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.
- Prevent alkaline, toxic or corrosive runoff from entering drains and waterways.
- 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 131, SDS, shipping papers and air monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2378 — 2-DimethylaminoacetonitrileUse 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.