UN 2645 — Phenacyl bromide
Placard: Toxic. ERG Guide 153. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 2645 is Phenacyl bromide, a toxic corrosive lachrymator solid assigned to ERG Guide 153. Eye irritation and HBr fuming are key concerns.
Hazard overview: TOXIC and CORROSIVE lachrymator solid; dust or vapor can severely irritate eyes and respiratory tract. Skin or eye contact may cause burns and intense tearing. Combustible solid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
Response guidance: For UN 2645, isolate the area, avoid skin contact and use SCBA where dust, vapor, mist or fire is present. Prevent spread of contaminated runoff, cool containers from protection and verify controls with SDS and ERG 153.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 2645 should emphasize toxic exposure routes, skin absorption, SCBA use, dust/vapor control, decontamination, runoff containment and SDS verification. Use ERG 153, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Phenacyl bromide 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: Phenacyl bromide should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers with ventilation, secondary containment, restricted access and SDS-based segregation from incompatible materials.
UN 2645 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 2645
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE lachrymator solid; dust or vapor can severely irritate eyes and respiratory tract.
- Skin or eye contact may cause burns and intense tearing.
- Combustible solid: may burn but does not ignite readily.
- Heating or moisture may release hydrogen bromide and toxic/corrosive fumes.
- Molten material can cause thermal and chemical burns.
- Runoff may be toxic and corrosive.
- Avoid dust generation and contaminated clothing exposure.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
White to pale yellow crystalline solid with a pungent, irritating odor. Causes severe eye irritation and lacrimation (tear production). Melts at approximately 50°C.
| Also known as | α-BromoacetophenonePhenacyl bromideω-BromoacetophenoneBromoacetophenone2-Bromo-1-phenylethanonePhenylacyl bromide |
| CAS Number | 70-11-1 |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline solid with a pungent, irritating odor. Causes severe eye irritation and lacrimation (tear production). Melts at approximately 50°C. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable solid) |
| Boiling Point | 135-139°C (275-282°F) at 14 mmHg; decomposes on heating |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid at room temperature; vapor density >1 if heated) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts slowly with water, liberating hydrogen bromide (corrosive vapor) |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 2645
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 2645 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, 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 153, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 2645 — Phenacyl bromideUse 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.