UN 2404 — Propionitrile
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 131. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2404 is Propionitrile, a toxic flammable nitrile assigned to ERG Guide 131. Skin absorption and cyanide-type fire products require strict controls.
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. Fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic gases.
Response guidance: For UN 2404, 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 choose foam, dry chemical or CO2 using SDS and ERG 131.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2404 should emphasize toxic/corrosive exposure, SCBA use, skin-contact prevention, sewer flashback, decontamination, runoff control and foam selection. Use ERG 131, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Propionitrile 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: Propionitrile should be stored in approved flammable/toxic or corrosive-liquid containers with ventilation, secondary containment and separation from heat, ignition sources, oxidizers and incompatible materials.
UN 2404 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2404
- TOXIC and FLAMMABLE nitrile 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.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
- Runoff to sewers may create fire, explosion and toxic contamination hazards.
- Containers may rupture or explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless liquid with a sweet, ethereal odor. Highly flammable and volatile at room temperature.
| Also known as | Ethyl cyanidePropanenitrilePropionic nitrileCyanoethane |
| CAS Number | 107-12-0 |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid with a sweet, ethereal odor. Highly flammable and volatile at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -6C (20F) |
| Boiling Point | 97C (207F) |
| Vapor Density | 1.9 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no violent reaction but may hydrolyze slowly |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2404
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 2404 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 toxic, alkaline 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 2404 — PropionitrileUse 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.