UN 3274 — Alcoholates solution, n.o.s., in alcohol
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 132. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 3274 is Alcoholates solution, n.o.s., in alcohol, a flammable alkaline alcoholate solution assigned to ERG Guide 132. Alcohol vapors and water/acid heat release are key.
Hazard overview: FLAMMABLE alcohol solution containing alcoholates/alkoxides; solvent vapors may ignite easily. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back. Alcoholates are strongly basic and may cause severe burns.
Response guidance: For UN 3274, isolate the spill, avoid splash/mist exposure and use SCBA with chemical protection. Control water/neutralization hazards and contain corrosive runoff under ERG 132.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 3274 should emphasize corrosive splash/mist control, water/neutralization heat, incompatible materials, SCBA use and runoff containment. Use ERG 132, SDS and local SOP.
Regulatory context: Alcoholates solution, n.o.s., in alcohol is regulated as a hazardous material for transport and emergency response. Storage, reporting, exposure, waste and incident-notification duties depend on quantity, composition, concentration and jurisdiction; verify shipping papers, SDS and authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Alcoholates solution, n.o.s., in alcohol should be stored in tightly closed compatible containers away from moisture, heat, ignition sources and incompatible acids/bases/oxidizers as specified by SDS.
UN 3274 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 3274
- FLAMMABLE alcohol solution containing alcoholates/alkoxides; solvent vapors may ignite easily.
- Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to ignition sources and flash back.
- Alcoholates are strongly basic and may cause severe burns.
- Water or moisture can generate heat and alcohol; some formulations may release flammable hydrogen through reaction pathways.
- Contact with acids can be violent and produce heat or splattering.
- Runoff may be flammable, alkaline and corrosive.
- Exact alcoholate, solvent and concentration must be verified from SDS.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Clear to slightly cloudy liquid, varying in color from colorless to pale yellow depending on the specific alcoholate. Strong alcohol odor. Liquid at room temperature.
| Also known as | Alcoholates in alcohol solutionMetal alcoholatesAlkoxides in alcoholSodium methylate solutionPotassium ethylate solution |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly cloudy liquid, varying in color from colorless to pale yellow depending on the specific alcoholate. Strong alcohol odor. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | Typically 11-23C (52-73F) depending on alcohol solvent (methanol or ethanol base) |
| Boiling Point | 64-78C (147-172F) depending on alcohol solvent used |
| Vapor Density | 1.1-2.7 (heavier than air) depending on specific alcoholate and solvent |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts with water generating heat and flammable hydrogen gas; may ignite spontaneously |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 3274
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Use positive-pressure SCBA for vapor, dust, smoke, fire or confined-space exposure. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and protective clothing.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 3274 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.
- Eliminate ignition sources if this can be done safely.
- Keep water or moisture contact controlled until the exact product compatibility is verified.
- 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 liquid, dust, runoff and decontamination waste from spreading.
- Ventilate confined spaces only after monitoring and only if properly trained and equipped.
- Use ERG Guide 132, SDS, shipping papers and monitoring to set isolation, evacuation and entry decisions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 3274 — Alcoholates solution, n.o.s., in alcoholUse 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.