UN 2581 — Aluminum chloride, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Aluminum chloride solution is a corrosive acidic liquid. Its strength can vary, so the SDS and shipping papers are important before choosing dilution, neutralization or cleanup tactics.
Hazard overview: Mist or splashes can cause severe chemical burns. Concentrated or heated solution may release hydrogen chloride fumes, and contact with some metals may produce hydrogen gas.
Response guidance: Keep unauthorized personnel away, control runoff and stay out of vapor or mist. Cool exposed containers from a protected location and use SDS guidance for any dilution or neutralization work.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews on acid solution behavior, metal corrosion and hydrogen potential. Emphasize SDS-based neutralization and proper splash protection.
Regulatory context: UN 2581 is Aluminum chloride, solution, Class 8 corrosive. Confirm concentration, packaging and response contact details from shipping papers and SDS.
Storage & handling: Store in compatible containers with secondary containment. Separate from bases, reactive metals, oxidizers and incompatible chemicals.
UN 2581 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2581
- Corrosive acidic solution; splashes and mist can burn skin, eyes and respiratory tract.
- Concentrated solutions may release hydrogen chloride fumes, especially when heated.
- Dilution or contamination may generate heat and acidic mist depending on concentration.
- Corrosive liquid can attack metals and may generate flammable hydrogen gas.
- Fire exposure may produce irritating or corrosive gases.
- Runoff can remain acidic and damage waterways or surfaces.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Aluminum chloride solution is usually a clear to pale yellow aqueous liquid with a pungent acidic odor. Concentration affects fuming, heat release and corrosivity.
| Also known as | Aluminum trichloride solutionAluminium chloride solutionAlCl3 solutionAluminum chloride aqueous solution |
| CAS Number | 7446-70-0 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow aqueous solution with a pungent, acidic odor. The solution is highly corrosive and may fume in moist air. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution, non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 100C (212F) depending on concentration |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Already in aqueous solution; concentrated solutions react exothermically with additional water generating heat and acidic fumes |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2581
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA when fumes, mist or fire gases are possible. Acid-resistant gloves, boots, suit and face protection are needed for splash exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2581 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 2581 — Aluminum chloride, 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.