UN 2470 — Phenylacetonitrile, liquid
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 152. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2470 is Phenylacetonitrile, liquid, a toxic nitrile liquid assigned to ERG Guide 152. Skin absorption and cyanide-type fire products are major concerns.
Hazard overview: TOXIC nitrile liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury. Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
Response guidance: For UN 2470, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where vapor, dust, gas or fire is present. Control ignition or contamination hazards and contain runoff using SDS and ERG 152.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2470 should emphasize exposure routes, SCBA use, vapor/dust monitoring, fire behavior, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 152, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Phenylacetonitrile, liquid 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: Phenylacetonitrile, liquid should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2470 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2470
- TOXIC nitrile liquid; inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption may cause severe injury.
- Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Skin contact and contaminated clothing can extend exposure.
- Fire may produce hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen oxides and other toxic gases.
- Liquid may form a separate layer and spread contamination.
- Runoff may carry toxic nitrile contamination.
- Containers may rupture or fail when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor. Immiscible with water and denser than water.
| Also known as | Benzyl cyanideBenzyl nitrileα-Tolunitrile2-PhenylacetonitrilePhenylmethyl cyanide |
| CAS Number | 140-29-4 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor. Immiscible with water and denser than water. |
| Flash Point | 99°C (210°F) |
| Boiling Point | 234°C (453°F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | No significant reaction with water; insoluble and forms separate layer |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2470
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for dust, vapor, mist, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, boots, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2470 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.
- Avoid breathing vapor, dust, gas, mist, smoke or fumes and avoid skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material without proper training and PPE.
- Prevent contaminated dust, liquid, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 152, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2470 — Phenylacetonitrile, liquidUse 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.