UN 1088 — Acetal
Placard: Flammable. ERG Guide 127. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Acetal is a highly volatile liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor, requiring careful handling to prevent accidents. It is highly flammable at room temperature, making it a significant fire hazard.
Hazard overview: Acetal is highly flammable and can be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames, forming explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may also form explosive mixtures with air, posing a significant risk of explosion.
Response guidance: In case of an emergency, isolate the spill area immediately for at least 50 meters in all directions and evacuate the immediate area if there is a large spill or fire. Use alcohol-resistant foam, CO2, dry chemical, or water spray for cooling to extinguish the fire.
UN 1088 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1088
- HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
- Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
- Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas
- Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
- Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire.
- Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Containers may explode when heated.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Acetal is a colorless, volatile liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor, highly flammable at room temperature.
| Also known as | 1,1-DiethoxyethaneDiethyl acetalEthylidene diethyl etherAcetaldehyde diethyl acetal |
| CAS Number | 105-57-7 |
| Appearance | Colorless, volatile liquid with a pleasant, fruity odor. Highly flammable at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -21°C (-6°F) |
| Boiling Point | 103°C (217°F) |
| Vapor Density | 4.0 (heavier than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Slightly soluble in water; no significant violent reaction with water. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1088
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Level B minimum with SCBA and full protective clothing is recommended due to flammability and vapor hazards.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1088 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1088 — AcetalUse 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.