UN 2585 — Alkyl sulphonic acids, solid, with not more than 5% free sulphuric acid
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2585 covers alkyl sulphonic acids in solid form with not more than 5% free sulphuric acid. It is a variable corrosive material, so exact SDS and shipping papers are critical.
Hazard overview: This entry describes a category rather than one single pure compound. The product may release heat and acidic mist when diluted or contaminated with water, and contact can cause severe corrosive burns.
Response guidance: Keep personnel out of splash and vapor zones, protect drains and avoid direct water streams on concentrated material. Use dry chemical or CO2 for surrounding fire, cool containers from a distance and follow product-specific SDS instructions before neutralization.
Firefighter training notes: Train crews to treat this as a variable corrosive category. Emphasize SDS verification, acid dilution hazards, runoff control and splash-zone discipline.
Regulatory context: UN 2585 is a Class 8 corrosive entry for alkyl sulphonic acids in solid form. Confirm free sulfuric acid content, composition and package details from shipping papers.
Storage & handling: Store in compatible corrosion-resistant containers with secondary containment. Separate from bases, reactive metals, oxidizers, cyanides, sulfides and water-sensitive materials.
UN 2585 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2585
- Corrosive solid organic sulfonic acid material; contact can burn skin and eyes.
- Contains free sulfuric acid; concentration affects heat release, fuming and corrosivity.
- Water contact or dilution may generate heat, splashing and acidic mist.
- Fire may produce sulfur oxides, carbon oxides and irritating corrosive gases.
- Some formulations may be combustible or may support burning of contaminated packaging.
- Runoff from spills or fire control can remain strongly acidic.
- Containers may rupture when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
The material is described as a corrosive solid, often powder or granules, but color and odor vary by formulation.
| Also known as | Alkyl sulfonic acidsAlkanesulfonic acids solidSulfonic acid derivatives solid |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline solid or powder at room temperature. Typically odorless or with a faint acidic odor. May be hygroscopic. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | Not applicable (decomposes before boiling) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | May dissolve or react with water with heat release; add water only under controlled SDS guidance because acid mist or splashing can occur. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2585
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use SCBA where mist, dust, vapor or fire gases may be present. Acid-resistant suit, gloves, boots and full face protection are required for spill entry.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 2585 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 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring results for isolation, PPE and fire-control decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2585 — Alkyl sulphonic acids, solid, with not mUse 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.