UN 2580 — Aluminum bromide, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Aluminum bromide solution is a corrosive acidic liquid. Because concentration can vary, responders should confirm the SDS before dilution, neutralization or cleanup.
Hazard overview: Mist, splashes and fumes can cause severe burns. Concentrated solution may fume hydrogen bromide and can react exothermically when diluted or contaminated, creating acidic runoff.
Response guidance: Isolate the spill, keep personnel out of vapor and splash zones, and protect drains. Cool exposed containers with water spray from a safe distance, but do not perform neutralization or dilution unless trained and guided by the SDS.
Firefighter training notes: Training should focus on variable solution strength, acid-gas monitoring and controlled neutralization. Crews should avoid improvised dilution of concentrated corrosives.
Regulatory context: UN 2580 is Aluminum bromide, solution, Class 8 corrosive. Shipping papers and SDS should identify concentration, packaging and emergency contact details.
Storage & handling: Store in compatible corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment. Keep away from bases, reactive metals, oxidizers and heat.
UN 2580 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2580
- Corrosive aluminum bromide solution; liquid and mist can burn skin, eyes and respiratory tissue.
- Concentrated solution may release hydrogen bromide fumes, especially when heated or diluted improperly.
- Additional water or contamination can generate heat and acidic mist depending on concentration.
- Corrosive liquid may attack metals and can release flammable hydrogen gas.
- Fire exposure can produce irritating and corrosive bromide fumes.
- Runoff may remain acidic and harmful to waterways.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Aluminum bromide solution is typically a clear to pale yellow corrosive liquid with a pungent irritating odor. Appearance and strength vary by formulation.
| Also known as | Aluminum tribromideAluminium bromideTribromoaluminumAlBr3 solution |
| CAS Number | 7727-15-3 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow solution with pungent, irritating odor. The dissolved aluminum bromide is highly corrosive and reacts with moisture. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution, non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Varies with concentration, typically near 100C (212F) for aqueous solutions |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (liquid solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Already in solution; concentration determines heat release when diluted. Treat as corrosive acidic solution and verify SDS. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2580
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA for fumes or fire conditions. Wear acid-resistant suit, gloves, boots and face protection where splash or mist exposure is possible.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2580 Incident
- Call 911 and the emergency response number shown on shipping papers; confirm the material with ERG, SDS and container markings.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away and establish hot, warm and cold zones before entry.
- Stay upwind, uphill and upstream; avoid low areas where vapors, dust or runoff may collect.
- Avoid breathing vapors, dust, mist or decomposition products and prevent skin or eye contact.
- Do not touch damaged packages or containers unless properly trained and wearing suitable chemical PPE.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after atmospheric monitoring and only with trained, equipped personnel.
- Use ERG Guide 154, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2580 — Aluminum bromide, solutionUse 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.