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 At a Glance
UN 3274 (Alcoholates solution, in alcohol) is listed as DOT Class 3 Flammable and is assigned to ERG Guide 132. Use this page to review placard data, common hazards, PPE notes, isolation context, first actions, and related UN numbers.
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.